Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Dallas is 8% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,403/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 4%
$67,760/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 21%
$295,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 14%
$1,409/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 10%
1,299,553
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $13,994/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Paterson — common questions

Is Dallas or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Paterson?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Paterson?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $13,994/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Jersey?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Paterson details →

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