Santa Ana, CA vs Paterson, NJ: 163 vs 106

$1,975/mo ↑ 36%

Median Rent

$1,457/mo ↓ 26%

$88,354/yr ↑ 64%

Median Income

$53,766/yr ↓ 39%

$657,800 ↑ 96%

Home Value

$335,400 ↓ 49%

$1,965/mo ↑ 27%

Owner Costs

$1,553/mo ↓ 21%

311,639

Population

157,660

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $34,588/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Paterson — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Paterson cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Paterson?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $518/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Paterson?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $34,588/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Paterson?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Paterson

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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