Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Paterson is 8% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,457/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 17%
$53,766/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↑ 13%
$335,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$337,200 ≈ Same
$1,553/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 6%
157,660
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $7,213/year higher in Miami Gardens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Paterson or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $7,213/year higher in Miami Gardens.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Miami Gardens

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula