Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Paterson is 74% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,457/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 35%
$53,766/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 9%
$335,400 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 55%
$1,553/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 35%
157,660
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $4,950/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Peoria — common questions

Is Paterson or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Peoria?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Peoria?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $4,950/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Peoria

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo