Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs College Station, TX (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Paterson is 16% more expensive than College Station.

$1,457/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 20%
$53,766/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 4%
$335,400 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 3%
$1,553/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 19%
157,660
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $1,990/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs College Station — common questions

Is Paterson or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and College Station?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or College Station?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $1,990/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and College Station

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette