Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Independence, MO (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Paterson is 58% more expensive than Independence.

$1,457/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 27%
$53,766/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 11%
$335,400 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 50%
$1,553/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 33%
157,660
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $5,714/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Independence — common questions

Is Paterson or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Independence?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Independence?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $5,714/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Missouri?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Independence

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor