Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Paterson is 30% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,457/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 24%
$53,766/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 111%
$335,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 79%
$1,553/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 25%
157,660
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $59,630/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Arvada — common questions

Is Paterson or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Arvada?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Arvada?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $59,630/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Colorado?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Arvada

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence