Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Rochester is 42% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,039/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 40%
$46,628/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 15%
$120,600 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 178%
$1,009/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 54%
209,720
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $7,138/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Paterson — common questions

Is Rochester or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Paterson?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Paterson?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $7,138/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between New York and New Jersey?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Paterson

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon