Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Orange, CA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Orange

California
206

Paterson is 49% cheaper than Orange.

$1,457/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 55%
$53,766/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 118%
$335,400 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 169%
$1,553/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 54%
157,660
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $795/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $9,540/year.

Median household income is $63,179/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Orange — common questions

Is Paterson or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Orange?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $795/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Orange?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $63,179/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Orange

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City