Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Paterson is 58% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,457/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 46%
$53,766/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 102%
$335,400 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 303%
$1,553/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 51%
157,660
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $54,792/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Paterson or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Berkeley?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Berkeley?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $54,792/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach