Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Paterson is 13% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,457/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 4%
$53,766/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↑ 5%
$335,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 25%
$1,553/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 5%
157,660
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $2,818/year higher in Bridgeport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Paterson or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $2,818/year higher in Bridgeport.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Bridgeport

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton