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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Paterson is 19% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,457/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 3%
$53,766/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 34%
$335,400 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 32%
$1,553/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 11%
157,660
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $18,077/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Paterson or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Mesquite?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Mesquite?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $18,077/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Mesquite

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford