Is Paterson, NJ cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Paterson, NJ is 27.5% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2064 per month.

What salary do I need in Paterson, NJ to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $125,234.899 in Paterson, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Paterson, NJ?

Housing in Paterson, NJ is 57.1% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Paterson, NJ?

Moving from Boston, MA to Paterson, NJ could save you approximately $2064 per month, or $24765 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boston, MA vs Paterson, NJ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Paterson, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.2K in Paterson, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,064

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$961K

Paterson, NJ

Population:156K

Cost Index:

(28% below avg)

Median Home:$532K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 156K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Paterson, NJ

Category	Boston, MA	Paterson, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,261/mo	↓ $3,015less	57.1%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $232less	12.7%
Other	$1,825/mo	$2,026/mo	↑ $201more	11.0%
All Utilities	$716/mo	$596/mo	↓ $120less	16.8%
Healthcare	$743/mo	$688/mo	↓ $55.76less	7.5%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,099/mo	↑ $19.99more	1.9%

Housing

↓ 57.1%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Difference

$3,015

less

Transportation

↓ 12.7%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Difference

$232

less

Other

↑ 11.0%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Difference

$201

All Utilities

↓ 16.8%

Boston, MA

$716

Paterson, NJ

$596

Difference

$120

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.5%

Boston, MA

$743

Paterson, NJ

$688

Difference

$55.76

less

Groceries

↑ 1.9%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Difference

$19.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,510

↓ $1,585

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,720

↓ $1,535

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,980

↓ $1,885

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,420

↓ $2,210

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$8,267

Monthly in Paterson, NJ

$3,202

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Paterson

$961K

Median Value

$532K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.5%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$469K - $567K

Homes in Paterson are 45% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Paterson

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $69.50

Per year

Monthly Difference

$5.79

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Paterson, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.