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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Paterson is 28% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,457/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 9%
$53,766/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 36%
$335,400 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 38%
$1,553/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 19%
157,660
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $19,264/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Odessa — common questions

Is Paterson or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Odessa?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Odessa?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $19,264/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Odessa

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham