Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Paterson is 39% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,457/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 19%
$53,766/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 4%
$335,400 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 45%
$1,553/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 18%
157,660
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $2,124/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Paterson or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and Waterbury?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or Waterbury?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $2,124/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View Waterbury details →

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