Manhattan, NY vs Paterson, NJ: Cost of Living Comparison
Paterson has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Manhattan | Paterson | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 218 | 95 | Paterson |
| Housing | 318 ($1,492) | 96 ($1,020) | Paterson |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 113 ($3.50) | Manhattan |
| Food & groceries | 140 ($574) | 72 ($295) | Paterson |
| Utilities | 209 ($572) | 98 ($173) | Paterson |
| Healthcare | 209 ($413) | 98 ($125) | Paterson |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,670) | 121 ($58,570) | Paterson |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manhattan, NY or Paterson, NJ cheaper to live in?
Paterson, NJ is cheaper overall by about 123 index points (Manhattan, NY: 218, Paterson, NJ: 95; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Manhattan, NY vs Paterson, NJ?
A single adult needs roughly $76,300/year in Manhattan, NY and $33,250/year in Paterson, NJ to cover basic living costs.