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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Paterson is 39% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,457/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 18%
$53,766/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 20%
$335,400 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 42%
$1,553/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 27%
157,660
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $10,504/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Paterson or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Pasadena?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Pasadena?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $10,504/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Pasadena

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport