Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Cary is 27% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,621/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 10%
$129,399/yr ↑ 141%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 58%
$525,200 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 36%
$1,744/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 11%
176,686
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $75,633/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Paterson — common questions

Is Cary or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Paterson?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Paterson?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $75,633/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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