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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Tempe is 13% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,623/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 10%
$77,643/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 31%
$421,900 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 21%
$1,554/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ≈ Same
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $23,877/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Paterson — common questions

Is Tempe or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Paterson?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Paterson?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $23,877/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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