Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Atlanta is 15% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,617/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 10%
$81,938/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 34%
$420,600 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 20%
$1,695/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 8%
499,287
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $28,172/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Paterson — common questions

Is Atlanta or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Paterson?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Paterson?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $28,172/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New Jersey?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Paterson details →

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