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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Sacramento is 25% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,694/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 14%
$83,753/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 36%
$484,600 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 31%
$1,752/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 11%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $29,987/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Paterson — common questions

Is Sacramento or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Paterson?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Paterson?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $29,987/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Paterson

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon