Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Baltimore is 21% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,290/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 13%
$59,623/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 10%
$219,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 53%
$1,333/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 17%
577,193
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.07%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $5,857/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Paterson — common questions

Is Baltimore or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Paterson?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Paterson?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $5,857/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and New Jersey?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Paterson details →

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