Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Paterson is 24% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,457/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 23%
$53,766/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 163%
$335,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 43%
$1,553/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 29%
157,660
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $87,587/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Paterson or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $87,587/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and The Woodlands

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