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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Richmond

California
161

Paterson is 34% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,457/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 30%
$53,766/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 67%
$335,400 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 94%
$1,553/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 30%
157,660
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $36,272/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Richmond — common questions

Is Paterson or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Richmond?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Richmond?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $36,272/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Richmond

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell