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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Downey

California
169

Paterson is 37% cheaper than Downey.

$1,457/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 30%
$53,766/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 63%
$335,400 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 117%
$1,553/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 29%
157,660
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $33,634/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Downey — common questions

Is Paterson or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Downey?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Downey?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $33,634/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens