Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Arlington is 10% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,389/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 5%
$73,519/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 27%
$276,400 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 21%
$1,420/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 9%
394,769
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $19,753/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Paterson — common questions

Is Arlington or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Paterson?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Paterson?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $19,753/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Jersey?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Paterson details →

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