Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Paterson is 16% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,457/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 32%
$53,766/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 74%
$335,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 18%
$1,553/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 2%
157,660
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $39,605/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Surprise — common questions

Is Paterson or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Surprise?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $39,605/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Arizona?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Surprise

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite