Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Chicago is 6% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,380/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 6%
$75,134/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 28%
$315,200 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 6%
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 3%
2,707,648
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $21,368/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Paterson — common questions

Is Chicago or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Paterson?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Paterson?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $21,368/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Jersey?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Paterson

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon