Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Paterson is 29% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,457/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 11%
$53,766/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 13%
$335,400 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 32%
$1,553/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
157,660
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $7,181/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Paterson or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Lakeland?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Lakeland?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $7,181/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Lakeland

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon