Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Paterson is 31% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,457/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 21%
$53,766/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↑ 9%
$335,400 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 42%
$1,553/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 24%
157,660
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $4,573/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Killeen — common questions

Is Paterson or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Killeen?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Killeen?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $4,573/year higher in Killeen.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Killeen details →