Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Paterson is 20% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,457/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 15%
$53,766/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 64%
$335,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 26%
$1,553/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 5%
157,660
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $34,260/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Joliet — common questions

Is Paterson or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Joliet?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Joliet?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $34,260/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Joliet

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