Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

New York is 57% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,779/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 18%
$79,713/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 33%
$751,700 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 55%
$1,837/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 15%
8,516,202
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $25,947/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Paterson — common questions

Is New York or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Paterson?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Paterson?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $25,947/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and New Jersey?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New York and Paterson

New York vs. Allen New York vs. Los Angeles New York vs. Tuscaloosa New York vs. Chicago New York vs. Tyler New York vs. Houston Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon