Is Springfield, MA cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MA is 1.4% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $106 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $151,274.502 in Springfield, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Springfield, MA is 54.4% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,150/month in Springfield, MA compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Living in Springfield, MA costs approximately $106 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $1275 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Springfield, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $106/month more in Springfield, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.3K in Springfield, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$106

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.3K

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

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$294K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Springfield, MA

Category	Paterson, NJ	Springfield, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$3,490/mo	↑ $1,229more	54.4%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,341/mo	↓ $684less	33.8%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,346/mo	↓ $253less	15.8%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$925/mo	↓ $174less	15.8%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$637/mo	↓ $50.28less	7.3%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$614/mo	↑ $18.12more	3.0%

Housing

↑ 54.4%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Difference

$1,229

Other

↓ 33.8%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Difference

$684

less

Transportation

↓ 15.8%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Difference

$253

less

Groceries

↓ 15.8%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Springfield, MA

$925

Difference

$174

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.3%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Springfield, MA

$637

Difference

$50.28

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.0%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Springfield, MA

$614

Difference

$18.12

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$809

↓ $701

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$915

↓ $805

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,150

↓ $830

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$1,409

↓ $1,011

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/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

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$86.28

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Springfield

$532K

Median Value

$294K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$137K - $323K

Homes in Springfield are 45% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Springfield

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

Springfield, 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%

Springfield, 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.