Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Norman, OK (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Paterson is 39% more expensive than Norman.

$1,457/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 27%
$53,766/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 21%
$335,400 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 29%
$1,553/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 28%
157,660
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $11,294/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Norman — common questions

Is Paterson or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Norman?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Norman?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $11,294/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Oklahoma?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Norman

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia