Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Providence is 7% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,333/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 9%
$66,772/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 19%
$322,800 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 4%
$1,467/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 6%
190,214
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $13,006/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Paterson — common questions

Is Providence or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Paterson?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Paterson?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $13,006/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and New Jersey?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Paterson details →

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