Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Cincinnati is 35% cheaper than Paterson.

$953/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 53%
$51,707/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 4%
$215,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 56%
$1,041/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 49%
309,595
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $2,059/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Paterson — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Paterson?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Paterson?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $2,059/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Paterson

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon