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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Paterson is 46% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,457/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 46%
$53,766/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 94%
$335,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 156%
$1,553/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 45%
157,660
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $50,453/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Paterson or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Fullerton?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Fullerton?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $50,453/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Fullerton

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren