Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Paterson is 86% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,457/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 35%
$53,766/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$53,328/yr ≈ Same
$335,400 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 64%
$1,553/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 39%
157,660
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $438/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Rockford — common questions

Is Paterson or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Rockford?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Rockford?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $438/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Rockford

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse