Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Washington is 61% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,900/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 23%
$106,287/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 49%
$724,600 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 54%
$2,103/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 26%
672,079
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $52,521/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Paterson — common questions

Is Washington or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Paterson?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Paterson?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $52,521/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and New Jersey?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Paterson details →

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