Cost of Living: Rancho Cucamonga, CA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Rancho Cucamonga is 72% more expensive than Paterson.

$2,286/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 36%
$109,511/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 51%
$694,400 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 52%
$2,324/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 33%
174,693
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $829/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $9,948/year.

Median household income is $55,745/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Paterson — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Paterson?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $829/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Paterson?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $55,745/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Rancho Cucamonga or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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