Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Ventura, CA (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Ventura

California
183

Paterson is 42% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,457/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 44%
$53,766/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 87%
$335,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 132%
$1,553/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 36%
157,660
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $46,641/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Ventura — common questions

Is Paterson or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Ventura?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Ventura?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $46,641/year higher in Ventura.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Ventura

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley