Is Elizabeth, NJ cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Elizabeth, NJ is 1.8% cheaper than Paterson, NJ. This translates to saving $135 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $148,377.598 in Elizabeth, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Paterson, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ?

Housing in Elizabeth, NJ is 11.6% cheaper than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Moving from Paterson, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ could save you approximately $135 per month, or $1622 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Elizabeth, 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 Paterson, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $135/month moving to Elizabeth, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Elizabeth, NJ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$135

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

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

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$501K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Elizabeth, NJ

The Garden State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Elizabeth, NJ

Category	Paterson, NJ	Elizabeth, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$1,998/mo	↓ $263less	11.6%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,989/mo	↓ $36.51less	1.8%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,569/mo	↓ $28.81less	1.8%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$1,089/mo	↓ $9.95less	0.9%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$682/mo	↓ $6.23less	0.9%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$590/mo	↓ $5.39less	0.9%

Housing

↓ 11.6%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Difference

$263

less

Other

↓ 1.8%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Difference

$36.51

less

Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Difference

$28.81

less

Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Difference

$9.95

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.9%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Difference

$6.23

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.9%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Difference

$5.39

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$1,231

↓ $279

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,390

↓ $330

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,682

↓ $298

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,108

↓ $312

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Elizabeth, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,700/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

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$350

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Elizabeth

$532K

Median Value

$501K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +4.3%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.6%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$495K - $565K

Homes in Elizabeth are 6% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Elizabeth

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same 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

Elizabeth, 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

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Elizabeth, 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.