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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Paterson is 37% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,457/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 50%
$53,766/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 90%
$335,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 77%
$1,553/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 43%
157,660
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $734/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $8,808/year.

Median household income is $48,555/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Paterson or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Fairfield?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $734/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Fairfield?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $48,555/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Fairfield

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill