Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Paterson is 56% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,457/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 35%
$53,766/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 3%
$335,400 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 35%
$1,553/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 37%
157,660
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $1,410/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Paterson or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $1,410/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Mexico?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Las Cruces

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria