Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Paterson is 16% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,457/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 13%
$53,766/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 62%
$335,400 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 36%
$1,553/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 4%
157,660
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $33,213/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Sparks — common questions

Is Paterson or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Sparks?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Sparks?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $33,213/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Nevada?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Sparks

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler