Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Provo, UT (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Paterson is 4% more expensive than Provo.

$1,457/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 21%
$53,766/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 17%
$335,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 30%
$1,553/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 21%
157,660
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $9,034/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Provo — common questions

Is Paterson or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Provo?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Provo?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $9,034/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Utah?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Provo details →

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