Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Boston is 66% more expensive than Paterson.

$2,093/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 30%
$94,755/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 43%
$710,400 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 53%
$2,176/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 29%
663,972
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $40,989/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Paterson — common questions

Is Boston or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Paterson?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Paterson?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $40,989/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Jersey?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Paterson details →

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