Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Paterson and Manchester have a similar cost of living.

$1,457/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ≈ Same
$53,766/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 44%
$335,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$336,300 ≈ Same
$1,553/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ≈ Same
157,660
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $23,649/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Manchester — common questions

Is Paterson or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Manchester?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Manchester?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $23,649/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Hampshire?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Manchester

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City