Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Paterson is 34% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,457/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 13%
$53,766/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$53,403/yr ≈ Same
$335,400 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 44%
$1,553/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
157,660
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $363/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Allentown — common questions

Is Paterson or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Allentown?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Allentown?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $363/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Allentown

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo