Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Paterson is 56% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,457/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 88%
$53,766/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 135%
$335,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 210%
$1,553/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 70%
157,660
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,285/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $15,420/year.

Median household income is $72,703/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Paterson or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Cambridge?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,285/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Cambridge?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $72,703/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Cambridge 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 Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland