Is Denver, CO cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 1.9% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $139 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Paterson, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $151,666.667 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Paterson, NJ and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 43.7% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Paterson, NJ to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $139 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $1667 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Paterson, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Paterson, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $139/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.7K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$139

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.7K

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

Median Home:$532K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$513K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Denver, CO

Category	Paterson, NJ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,261/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $988more	43.7%
📦Other	$2,026/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $251less	12.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $137less	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$596/mo	$519/mo	↓ $76.50less	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,099/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$632/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 43.7%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$988

📦Other

↓ 12.4%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$251

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.5%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$137

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.8%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$76.50

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.1%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$55.76

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Paterson, NJ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$1,720

↑ $210

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,840

↑ $120

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$2,190

↑ $210

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,870

↑ $450

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$398

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Denver

$532K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 4% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $831

Per year

Monthly Difference

$69.21

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.