Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Madison is 3% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,364/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 7%
$76,983/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 30%
$346,900 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 3%
$1,476/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 5%
275,568
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $23,217/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Paterson — common questions

Is Madison or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Paterson?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Paterson?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $23,217/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New Jersey?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Paterson details →

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