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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Paterson is 32% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,457/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 21%
$53,766/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↑ 4%
$335,400 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 27%
$1,553/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 25%
157,660
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $1,887/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Columbia — common questions

Is Paterson or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Columbia?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Columbia?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $1,887/year higher in Columbia.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Columbia

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids