Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Paterson is 67% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,457/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 39%
$53,766/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 111%
$335,400 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 108%
$1,553/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 40%
157,660
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $574/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $6,888/year.

Median household income is $59,872/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Paterson or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Alexandria?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $574/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Alexandria?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $59,872/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Alexandria details →