Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

St. Louis is 38% cheaper than Paterson.

$978/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 49%
$55,279/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 3%
$185,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 81%
$1,013/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 53%
293,109
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $1,513/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Paterson — common questions

Is St. Louis or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Paterson?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Paterson?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $1,513/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and New Jersey?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Paterson

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