New York, 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 | New York | Paterson | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 161 | 95 | Paterson |
| Housing | 216 ($1,245) | 96 ($1,020) | Paterson |
| Transportation | 108 ($3.50) | 113 ($3.50) | New York |
| Food & groceries | 107 ($439) | 72 ($295) | Paterson |
| Utilities | 158 ($389) | 98 ($173) | Paterson |
| Healthcare | 158 ($281) | 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 New York, NY or Paterson, NJ cheaper to live in?
Paterson, NJ is cheaper overall by about 66 index points (New York, NY: 161, Paterson, NJ: 95; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in New York, NY vs Paterson, NJ?
A single adult needs roughly $56,350/year in New York, NY and $33,250/year in Paterson, NJ to cover basic living costs.