Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Paterson is 11% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,457/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 10%
$53,766/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 42%
$335,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 18%
$1,553/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 8%
157,660
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $22,439/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Lowell — common questions

Is Paterson or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Lowell?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Lowell?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $22,439/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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