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

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Paterson is 47% more expensive than Waco.

$1,457/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 25%
$53,766/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 4%
$335,400 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 40%
$1,553/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 30%
157,660
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $2,298/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Waco — common questions

Is Paterson or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Waco?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Waco?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $2,298/year higher in Paterson.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and Waco

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange