Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Durham and Paterson have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 3%
$79,234/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 32%
$355,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 6%
$1,434/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 8%
288,465
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,468/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Paterson — common questions

Is Durham or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Paterson?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Paterson?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $25,468/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Paterson details →

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