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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Paterson is 23% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,457/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 26%
$53,766/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 57%
$335,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 43%
$1,553/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 15%
157,660
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $30,851/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Paterson or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $30,851/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Santa Maria

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton