Is Providence, RI cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 25.1% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $1881 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $172,567.432 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Paterson, NJ and Providence, RI?

Housing in Providence, RI is 90.4% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Living in Providence, RI costs approximately $1881 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $22567 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Providence, RI: 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 $1.9K/month more in Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.6K in Providence, RI

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

Overall Cost

↑ 25.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,881

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$22.6K

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

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

125

(25% above avg)

Median Home:$430K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Rhode Island, this city has a population of 191K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Providence, RI

Category	Paterson, NJ	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$4,304/mo	↑ $2,043more	90.4%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $371less	18.3%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$682/mo	↑ $85.96more	14.4%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $71.63less	6.5%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,659/mo	↑ $61.23more	3.8%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$708/mo	↑ $20.18more	2.9%

Housing

↑ 90.4%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$2,043

Other

↓ 18.3%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$371

less

All Utilities

↑ 14.4%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$85.96

Groceries

↓ 6.5%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$71.63

less

Transportation

↑ 3.8%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$61.23

Healthcare

↑ 2.9%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$20.18

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$1,372

↓ $138

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,464

↓ $256

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,803

↓ $177

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,181

↓ $239

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/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

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$1,768

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Providence

$532K

Median Value

$430K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 19% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $988

Per year

Monthly Difference

$82.29

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

Providence, RI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Rhode Island State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.0%

$43.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,879/month

$106.5K

Additional Tax Information

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.