Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs High Point, NC (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Paterson is 45% more expensive than High Point.

$1,457/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 27%
$53,766/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 14%
$335,400 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 37%
$1,553/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 30%
157,660
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $7,462/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs High Point — common questions

Is Paterson or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and High Point?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or High Point?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $7,462/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and High Point

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles