Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Paterson is 3% cheaper than West Valley City.

$1,457/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ≈ Same
$53,766/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 65%
$335,400 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$377,300 ↑ 12%
$1,553/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 5%
157,660
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $34,838/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Paterson or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and West Valley City?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or West Valley City?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $34,838/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Utah?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View West Valley City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and West Valley City

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon West Valley City vs. Columbia West Valley City vs. Hampton West Valley City vs. Warren West Valley City vs. Cedar Rapids West Valley City vs. Orange West Valley City vs. Dayton