Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Kent, WA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Paterson is 27% cheaper than Kent.

$1,457/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 26%
$53,766/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 68%
$335,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 60%
$1,553/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 23%
157,660
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $376/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,512/year.

Median household income is $36,650/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Kent — common questions

Is Paterson or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Kent?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $376/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Kent?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $36,650/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Washington?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Kent

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights