Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Paterson is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,457/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 64%
$53,766/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 105%
$335,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 214%
$1,553/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 59%
157,660
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $56,307/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Paterson or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $56,307/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Costa Mesa

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria