Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Paterson is 19% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,457/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 18%
$53,766/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 84%
$335,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 45%
$1,553/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 3%
157,660
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $44,920/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Meridian — common questions

Is Paterson or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Meridian?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Meridian?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $44,920/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Idaho?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Meridian

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord