Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Paterson and Clearwater have a similar cost of living.

$1,457/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 6%
$53,766/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 20%
$335,400 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 3%
$1,553/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 9%
157,660
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $10,674/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Paterson or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Clearwater?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Clearwater?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $10,674/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Clearwater

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville