Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Mesa and Paterson have a similar cost of living.

$1,478/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 1%
$78,779/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 32%
$364,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 8%
$1,404/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 11%
507,478
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,013/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Paterson — common questions

Is Mesa or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Paterson?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Paterson?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $25,013/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Paterson

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon