Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Paterson is 45% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,457/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 37%
$53,766/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 23%
$335,400 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 20%
$1,553/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 36%
157,660
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $12,263/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Fargo — common questions

Is Paterson or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Fargo?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Fargo?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $12,263/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Dakota?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Fargo

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres