Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Paterson is 83% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,457/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 30%
$53,766/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 20%
$335,400 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 68%
$1,553/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 38%
157,660
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $10,528/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Mississippi has a lower income tax rate, making Jackson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Jackson — common questions

Is Paterson or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Jackson?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Jackson?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $10,528/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Mississippi?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Jackson

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville