Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Paterson is 14% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,457/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 10%
$53,766/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 63%
$335,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 14%
$1,553/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 14%
157,660
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $34,001/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Rochester — common questions

Is Paterson or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Rochester?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Rochester?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $34,001/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Minnesota?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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