Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Paterson is 18% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,457/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 14%
$53,766/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 64%
$335,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 25%
$1,553/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
157,660
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $34,550/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Elgin — common questions

Is Paterson or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Elgin?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Elgin?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $34,550/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Elgin

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont