Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Paterson is 28% more expensive than Athens.

$1,457/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 20%
$53,766/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 4%
$335,400 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 19%
$1,553/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 25%
157,660
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $2,111/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Athens — common questions

Is Paterson or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Athens?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Athens?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $2,111/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Georgia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Athens

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