Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Newark is 6% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,330/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 10%
$48,416/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 11%
$337,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$335,400 ≈ Same
$1,419/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 9%
307,188
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $5,350/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Paterson — common questions

Is Newark or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Paterson?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Paterson?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $5,350/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Jersey?
Both cities are in New Jersey and share the same state tax rates: 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Paterson

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon