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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Lancaster is 17% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,696/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 14%
$76,083/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 29%
$409,100 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 18%
$1,746/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 11%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $22,317/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Paterson — common questions

Is Lancaster or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Paterson?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Paterson?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $22,317/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Paterson

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon