Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 10.2% cheaper than Paterson, NJ. This translates to saving $764 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $140,833.333 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Paterson, NJ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 9.2% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Moving from Paterson, NJ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $764 per month, or $9167 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Raleigh, NC: 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 save $764/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$764

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$512K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Paterson, NJ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$2,026/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $318less	15.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $314less	19.7%
🏠Housing	$2,261/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $208more	9.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,099/mo	$959/mo	↓ $140less	12.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$601/mo	↓ $86.74less	12.6%
⚡All Utilities	$596/mo	$546/mo	↓ $49.18less	8.3%

📦Other

↓ 15.7%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$318

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.7%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$314

less

🏠Housing

↑ 9.2%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$208

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.7%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$140

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.6%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$86.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.3%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$49.18

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$1,570

↑ $60.00

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,640

↓ $80.00

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,800

↓ $180

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,255

↓ $165

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$700

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Raleigh

$532K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 4% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $306

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.