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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Paterson is 12% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$1,457/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 3%
$53,766/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↑ 16%
$335,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 22%
$1,553/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 14%
157,660
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,564/year higher in Lehigh Acres. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Paterson or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $8,564/year higher in Lehigh Acres.
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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Lehigh Acres

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Lehigh Acres vs. Lewisville Lehigh Acres vs. Columbia Lehigh Acres vs. Norman Lehigh Acres vs. Abilene Lehigh Acres vs. Fargo Lehigh Acres vs. Athens