Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Paterson is 80% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,457/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 32%
$53,766/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 15%
$335,400 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 63%
$1,553/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 37%
157,660
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $7,921/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Paterson or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Syracuse?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Syracuse?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $7,921/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New York?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Syracuse

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville