Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Virginia Beach is 10% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,649/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 12%
$90,685/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 41%
$366,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 8%
$1,704/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 9%
457,066
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $36,919/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Paterson — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Paterson?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Paterson?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $36,919/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Jersey?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Paterson

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon