Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Paterson is 112% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,457/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 41%
$53,766/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 19%
$335,400 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 72%
$1,553/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 46%
157,660
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $10,312/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Dayton — common questions

Is Paterson or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Dayton?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Dayton?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $10,312/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Ohio?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Dayton

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville