Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Paterson is 17% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,457/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 12%
$53,766/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 67%
$335,400 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 40%
$1,553/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 9%
157,660
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $36,272/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Charleston — common questions

Is Paterson or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Charleston?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Charleston?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $36,272/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and South Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Charleston

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson