Is Bridgeport, CT cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Bridgeport, CT is 20.9% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $1571 per month.

What salary do I need in Bridgeport, CT to live like I do in Paterson, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $168,846.14 in Bridgeport, CT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Paterson, NJ and Bridgeport, CT?

Housing in Bridgeport, CT is 136.7% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,480/month in Bridgeport, CT compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Paterson, NJ to Bridgeport, CT?

Living in Bridgeport, CT costs approximately $1571 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $18846 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Bridgeport, CT: 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 $1.6K/month more in Bridgeport, CT

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.8K in Bridgeport, CT

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

Overall Cost

↑ 20.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,571

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.8K

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

Bridgeport, CT

Population:148K

Cost Index:

121

(21% above avg)

Median Home:$307K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Bridgeport, CT

The Constitution State

148K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 148K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Bridgeport, CT

Category	Paterson, NJ	Bridgeport, CT	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$5,352/mo	↑ $3,091more	136.7%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,581/mo	↓ $444less	21.9%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,246/mo	↓ $352less	22.1%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$606/mo	↓ $81.33less	11.8%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$1,027/mo	↓ $71.83less	6.5%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$529/mo	↓ $66.58less	11.2%

Housing

↑ 136.7%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Bridgeport, CT

$5,352

Difference

$3,091

Other

↓ 21.9%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Bridgeport, CT

$1,581

Difference

$444

less

Transportation

↓ 22.1%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Bridgeport, CT

$1,246

Difference

$352

less

Healthcare

↓ 11.8%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Bridgeport, CT

$606

Difference

$81.33

less

Groceries

↓ 6.5%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Bridgeport, CT

$1,027

Difference

$71.83

less

All Utilities

↓ 11.2%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Bridgeport, CT

$529

Difference

$66.58

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$1,021

↓ $489

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,239

↓ $481

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,480

↓ $500

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$1,791

↓ $629

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Bridgeport, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,780–$1,920/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

$10,341

Monthly in Bridgeport, CT

$2,074

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Bridgeport

$532K

Median Value

$307K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +5.8%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +56%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$286K - $378K

Homes in Bridgeport are 42% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Bridgeport

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $620

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$51.63

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

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

Bridgeport, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

Additional Tax Information

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Bridgeport, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

💡 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.