Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Paterson is 63% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,457/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 37%
$53,766/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 26%
$335,400 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 47%
$1,553/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 30%
157,660
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $14,093/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Paterson or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $14,093/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Iowa?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Cedar Rapids

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar