Is Boston, MA cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 38.0% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $2847 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $184,166.667 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 133.3% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $2847 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $34167 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Boston, MA: 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 Paterson, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.8K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $184.2K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↑ 38.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,847

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$34.2K

Per year

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

Paterson, NJ

Population:156K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$532K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

138

(38% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Boston, MA

Category	Paterson, NJ	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $3,015more	133.3%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $232more	14.5%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $201less	9.9%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$716/mo	↑ $120more	20.2%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$743/mo	↑ $55.76more	8.1%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $19.99less	1.8%

Housing

↑ 133.3%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$3,015

Transportation

↑ 14.5%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$232

Other

↓ 9.9%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$201

less

All Utilities

↑ 20.2%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$120

Healthcare

↑ 8.1%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$55.76

Groceries

↓ 1.8%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$19.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$3,095

↑ $1,585

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$3,255

↑ $1,535

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$3,865

↑ $1,885

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$4,630

↑ $2,210

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$8,267

Monthly in Paterson, NJ

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,202

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Boston

$532K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 81% more expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $69.50

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$5.79

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.