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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Modesto is 13% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,609/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 9%
$77,899/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 31%
$415,600 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 19%
$1,613/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 4%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $24,133/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Paterson — common questions

Is Modesto or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Paterson?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Paterson?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $24,133/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Paterson

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon