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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Los Angeles is 76% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,879/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 22%
$80,366/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 33%
$879,500 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 62%
$2,055/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 24%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $26,600/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Paterson — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Paterson?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Paterson?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $26,600/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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