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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Paterson is 65% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,457/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 105%
$53,766/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 223%
$335,400 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 356%
$1,553/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 96%
157,660
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,528/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $18,336/year.

Median household income is $119,904/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Paterson or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,528/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $119,904/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Santa Clara

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville