Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Paterson is 83% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,457/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 35%
$53,766/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 4%
$335,400 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 61%
$1,553/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 40%
157,660
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $2,136/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Topeka — common questions

Is Paterson or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Topeka?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Topeka?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $2,136/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Kansas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Topeka

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks