Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Paterson is 61% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,457/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 30%
$53,766/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 12%
$335,400 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 48%
$1,553/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 36%
157,660
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $6,399/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs McAllen — common questions

Is Paterson or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and McAllen?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or McAllen?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $6,399/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and McAllen

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance