Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Billings, MT (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Paterson is 23% more expensive than Billings.

$1,457/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 25%
$53,766/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 34%
$335,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 7%
$1,553/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 24%
157,660
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $18,089/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Billings — common questions

Is Paterson or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Billings?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Billings?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $18,089/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Montana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Billings

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston