Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Paterson is 20% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,457/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 8%
$53,766/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 26%
$335,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 30%
$1,553/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 13%
157,660
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $13,992/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Hampton — common questions

Is Paterson or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Hampton?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Hampton?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $13,992/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Hampton

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Hampton vs. West Valley City Hampton vs. Cedar Rapids Hampton vs. Columbia Hampton vs. Dayton Hampton vs. Warren Hampton vs. Pasadena