Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Scottsdale is 56% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,910/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 24%
$107,372/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 50%
$709,900 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 53%
$1,824/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 15%
242,169
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $53,606/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Paterson — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Paterson?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Paterson?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $53,606/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Paterson

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon