Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Salt Lake City is 10% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,343/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 8%
$74,925/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 28%
$495,700 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 32%
$1,394/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 11%
203,888
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $21,159/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Paterson — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Paterson?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Paterson?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $21,159/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and New Jersey?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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