Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Paterson is 49% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,457/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 24%
$53,766/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 17%
$335,400 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 47%
$1,553/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
157,660
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $8,954/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Abilene — common questions

Is Paterson or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Abilene?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Abilene?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $8,954/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Abilene

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland