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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Fresno is 5% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,324/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 10%
$66,804/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 20%
$348,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 4%
$1,391/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 12%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $13,038/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Paterson — common questions

Is Fresno or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Paterson?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Paterson?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $13,038/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Paterson details →

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