Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Denver is 39% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,770/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 18%
$91,681/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 41%
$586,700 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 43%
$1,839/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 16%
713,734
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $37,915/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Paterson — common questions

Is Denver or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Paterson?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Paterson?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $37,915/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Jersey?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Paterson

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon