Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Paterson is 28% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,457/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 27%
$53,766/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 181%
$335,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 52%
$1,553/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 39%
157,660
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $97,171/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Naperville — common questions

Is Paterson or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Naperville?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Naperville?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $97,171/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Naperville

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona