Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Paterson is 23% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,457/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 24%
$53,766/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 88%
$335,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 44%
$1,553/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 23%
157,660
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $47,219/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Thornton — common questions

Is Paterson or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Thornton?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Thornton?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $47,219/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Colorado?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Thornton

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton