Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Aurora is 23% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,759/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 17%
$84,320/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 36%
$444,500 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 25%
$1,762/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 12%
390,201
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $30,554/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Paterson — common questions

Is Aurora or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Paterson?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Paterson?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $30,554/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Jersey?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Paterson

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon