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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Cleveland is 52% cheaper than Paterson.

$894/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 63%
$39,187/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 37%
$94,100 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 256%
$866/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 79%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $14,579/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Paterson — common questions

Is Cleveland or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Paterson?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Paterson?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $14,579/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 Cleveland or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Paterson details →

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