Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Portland is 30% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,596/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 9%
$88,792/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 39%
$557,600 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 40%
$1,771/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 12%
642,715
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $35,026/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Paterson — common questions

Is Portland or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Paterson?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Paterson?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $35,026/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Jersey?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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