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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

San Bernardino is 3% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,433/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 2%
$63,988/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 16%
$384,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 13%
$1,478/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 5%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,222/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Paterson — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Paterson?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Paterson?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $10,222/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Paterson

San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon