Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Worcester and Paterson have a similar cost of living.

$1,415/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 3%
$67,544/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 20%
$339,500 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 1%
$1,521/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 2%
205,501
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,778/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Paterson — common questions

Is Worcester or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Paterson?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Paterson?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $13,778/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Jersey?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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