Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Paterson is 38% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,457/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 27%
$53,766/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 14%
$335,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 25%
$1,553/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 32%
157,660
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $392/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,704/year.

Median household income is $7,688/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Paterson or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Lafayette?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $392/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Lafayette?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $7,688/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Louisiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Lafayette

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