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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Paterson is 7% more expensive than Midland.

$1,457/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 3%
$53,766/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 70%
$335,400 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 11%
$1,553/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 5%
157,660
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $37,403/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Midland — common questions

Is Paterson or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Midland?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Midland?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $37,403/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Midland

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven