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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Paterson is 17% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,457/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 25%
$53,766/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 79%
$335,400 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 21%
$1,553/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 16%
157,660
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $42,491/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Richardson — common questions

Is Paterson or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Richardson?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Richardson?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $42,491/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Richardson

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater