Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Fremont is 162% more expensive than Paterson.

$2,905/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 50%
$176,350/yr ↑ 228%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 70%
$1,289,400 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 74%
$3,000/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 48%
228,518
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,448/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $17,376/year.

Median household income is $122,584/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Paterson — common questions

Is Fremont or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Paterson?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $1,448/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Paterson?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $122,584/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Paterson

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon