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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Garland is 9% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,525/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 4%
$74,717/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 28%
$248,900 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 35%
$1,445/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 7%
245,298
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $20,951/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Paterson — common questions

Is Garland or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Paterson?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Paterson?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $20,951/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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