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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Arlington is 92% more expensive than Paterson.

$2,275/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 36%
$140,160/yr ↑ 161%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 62%
$864,800 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 61%
$2,414/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 36%
235,463
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $818/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $9,816/year.

Median household income is $86,394/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Paterson — common questions

Is Arlington or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Paterson?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $818/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Paterson?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $86,394/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Jersey?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Paterson

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