Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Paterson is 12% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,457/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 1%
$53,766/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$53,771/yr ≈ Same
$335,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 26%
$1,553/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 2%
157,660
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5/year higher in New Haven. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs New Haven — common questions

Is Paterson or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and New Haven?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or New Haven?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $5/year higher in New Haven.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and New Haven

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo