Is Lowell, MA cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Lowell, MA is 32.1% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $2411 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $178,927.781 in Lowell, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Lowell, MA is 101.1% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,799/month in Lowell, MA compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Living in Lowell, MA costs approximately $2411 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $28928 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Lowell, 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 $2.4K/month more in Lowell, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $178.9K in Lowell, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 32.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,411

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$28.9K

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

Lowell, MA

Population:114K

Cost Index:

132

(32% above avg)

Median Home:$461K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Lowell, MA

The Bay State

114K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 114K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Lowell, MA

Category	Paterson, NJ	Lowell, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$4,548/mo	↑ $2,287more	101.1%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,748/mo	↓ $278less	13.7%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,753/mo	↑ $155more	9.7%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$701/mo	↑ $105more	17.6%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$1,056/mo	↓ $43.00less	3.9%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$728/mo	↑ $39.91more	5.8%

Housing

↑ 101.1%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Lowell, MA

$4,548

Difference

$2,287

Other

↓ 13.7%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Lowell, MA

$1,748

Difference

$278

less

Transportation

↑ 9.7%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Lowell, MA

$1,753

Difference

$155

All Utilities

↑ 17.6%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Lowell, MA

$701

Difference

$105

Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Lowell, MA

$1,056

Difference

$43.00

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.8%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Lowell, MA

$728

Difference

$39.91

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$1,242

↓ $268

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,368

↓ $352

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,799

↓ $181

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,157

↓ $263

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Lowell, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,730/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

$10,533

Monthly in Lowell, MA

$2,266

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Lowell

$532K

Median Value

$461K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +0.5%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +41.4%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$435K - $507K

Homes in Lowell are 13% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Lowell

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

Lowell, 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%

Lowell, 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.