Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Reno is 15% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,453/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ≈ Same
$78,448/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 31%
$498,600 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 33%
$1,482/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 5%
268,959
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,682/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Paterson — common questions

Is Reno or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Paterson?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Paterson?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $24,682/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and New Jersey?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Paterson

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon