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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Riverside is 36% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,812/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 20%
$88,575/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 39%
$542,100 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 38%
$1,880/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 17%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $34,809/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Paterson — common questions

Is Riverside or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Paterson?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Paterson?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $34,809/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Paterson

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon