Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Paterson is 21% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,457/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 2%
$53,766/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 27%
$335,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 83%
$1,553/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 6%
157,660
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,612/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Paterson or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $14,612/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and East Los Angeles

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo