Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Paterson and Olathe have a similar cost of living.

$1,457/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 10%
$53,766/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 109%
$335,400 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 2%
$1,553/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 7%
157,660
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $58,466/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Olathe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Olathe — common questions

Is Paterson or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Olathe?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Olathe?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $58,466/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Kansas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Olathe

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton