Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Jersey City is 40% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,902/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 23%
$94,813/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 43%
$534,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 37%
$2,006/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 23%
289,691
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $41,047/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Paterson — common questions

Is Jersey City or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Paterson?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Paterson?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $41,047/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Jersey?
Both cities are in New Jersey and share the same state tax rates: 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Paterson details →

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