Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Boise is 6% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,359/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 7%
$81,308/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 34%
$456,000 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 26%
$1,337/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 16%
235,701
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $27,542/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Paterson — common questions

Is Boise or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Paterson?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Paterson?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $27,542/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and New Jersey?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Paterson

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon