Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey

106

Murfreesboro

Tennessee

105

Paterson and Murfreesboro have a similar cost of living.

$1,457/mo ↑ 6%

Median Rent

$1,376/mo ↓ 6%

$53,766/yr ↓ 29%

Median Income

$76,241/yr ↑ 42%

$335,400 ↓ 8%

Home Value

$365,100 ↑ 9%

$1,553/mo ↑ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,435/mo ↓ 8%

157,660

Population

157,547

Tax Comparison

10.75%

Income Tax

6.625%

Sales Tax

7.0%

2.23%

Property Tax

0.64%

Affordability

32.5%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.7%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $22,475/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Paterson or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 106 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Paterson and Murfreesboro?

Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $81/month.

Which city has higher income, Paterson or Murfreesboro?

Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $22,475/year higher in Murfreesboro.

How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Tennessee?

New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.

Should I move to Paterson or Murfreesboro?

It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,376/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.