Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Paterson is 34% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,457/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 13%
$53,766/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 21%
$335,400 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 39%
$1,553/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 24%
157,660
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $11,426/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Paterson or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Dearborn?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Dearborn?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $11,426/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Michigan?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Dearborn

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa