Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Philadelphia is 20% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,323/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 10%
$60,698/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 11%
$232,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 44%
$1,233/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 26%
1,582,432
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $6,932/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Paterson — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Paterson?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Paterson?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $6,932/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Paterson details →

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