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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Pomona

California
143

Paterson is 26% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,457/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 19%
$53,766/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 47%
$335,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 70%
$1,553/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 13%
157,660
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $25,103/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Pomona — common questions

Is Paterson or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Pomona?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Pomona?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $25,103/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Pomona details →

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