Is New Haven, CT cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, New Haven, CT is 7.1% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $529 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $156,346.723 in New Haven, CT to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in New Haven, CT is 109.5% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,193/month in New Haven, CT compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Living in New Haven, CT costs approximately $529 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $6347 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs New Haven, 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 $529/month more in New Haven, CT

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.3K in New Haven, CT

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$529

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.3K

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

New Haven, CT

Population:135K

Cost Index:

107

(7% above avg)

Median Home:$353K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

New Haven, CT

The Constitution State

135K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 135K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs New Haven, CT

Category	Paterson, NJ	New Haven, CT	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$4,737/mo	↑ $2,476more	109.5%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,400/mo	↓ $626less	30.9%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,103/mo	↓ $496less	31.0%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$967/mo	↓ $133less	12.1%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$571/mo	↓ $117less	17.0%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$498/mo	↓ $97.88less	16.4%

Housing

↑ 109.5%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

New Haven, CT

$4,737

Difference

$2,476

Other

↓ 30.9%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

New Haven, CT

$1,400

Difference

$626

less

Transportation

↓ 31.0%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

New Haven, CT

$1,103

Difference

$496

less

Groceries

↓ 12.1%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

New Haven, CT

$967

Difference

$133

less

Healthcare

↓ 17.0%

Paterson, NJ

$688

New Haven, CT

$571

Difference

$117

less

All Utilities

↓ 16.4%

Paterson, NJ

$596

New Haven, CT

$498

Difference

$97.88

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$831

↓ $679

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$965

↓ $755

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,193

↓ $787

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$1,474

↓ $946

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

New Haven, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,520–$2,100/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

$9,274

Monthly in New Haven, CT

$1,007

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

New Haven

$532K

Median Value

$353K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.5%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$286K - $385K

Homes in New Haven are 34% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - New Haven

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

New Haven, 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%

New Haven, 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.