Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Buffalo is 42% cheaper than Paterson.

$989/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 47%
$48,050/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 12%
$152,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 120%
$929/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 67%
276,397
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $5,716/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Paterson — common questions

Is Buffalo or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Paterson?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Paterson?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $5,716/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New York and New Jersey?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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