Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Paterson is 20% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,457/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 20%
$53,766/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 36%
$335,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 8%
$1,553/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 24%
157,660
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $19,490/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Metairie — common questions

Is Paterson or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Metairie?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Metairie?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $19,490/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Louisiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Metairie

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia