Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Paterson is 34% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,457/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
$53,766/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 5%
$335,400 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 34%
$1,553/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 18%
157,660
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $2,427/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Springfield — common questions

Is Paterson or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Springfield?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Springfield?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $2,427/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Springfield

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville