Is Worcester, MA cheaper than Paterson, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Worcester, MA is 25.4% more expensive than Paterson, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $1904 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Paterson, NJ, you'd need approximately $172,846.034 in Worcester, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Worcester, MA is 90.9% more expensive than in Paterson, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,645/month in Worcester, MA compared to $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ.

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

Living in Worcester, MA costs approximately $1904 more per month than Paterson, NJ, or $22846 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Paterson, NJ vs Worcester, 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 $1.9K/month more in Worcester, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.8K in Worcester, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 25.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,904

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$22.8K

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

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

125

(25% above avg)

Median Home:$410K

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Paterson, NJ vs Worcester, MA

Category	Paterson, NJ	Worcester, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,261/mo	$4,315/mo	↑ $2,054more	90.9%
Other	$2,026/mo	$1,658/mo	↓ $367less	18.1%
All Utilities	$596/mo	$682/mo	↑ $86.80more	14.6%
Groceries	$1,099/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $70.36less	6.4%
Transportation	$1,598/mo	$1,664/mo	↑ $65.33more	4.1%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$709/mo	↑ $21.06more	3.1%

Housing

↑ 90.9%

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Difference

$2,054

Other

↓ 18.1%

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Difference

$367

less

All Utilities

↑ 14.6%

Paterson, NJ

$596

Worcester, MA

$682

Difference

$86.80

Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Difference

$70.36

less

Transportation

↑ 4.1%

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Difference

$65.33

Healthcare

↑ 3.1%

Paterson, NJ

$688

Worcester, MA

$709

Difference

$21.06

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,510

To$1,275

↓ $235

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,282

↓ $438

2 Bed

From$1,980

To$1,645

↓ $335

3 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,039

↓ $381

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/mo

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/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

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$1,790

Difference

Home Values

Paterson

Worcester

$532K

Median Value

$410K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +44.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$469K - $567K

Price Range

$188K - $530K

Homes in Worcester are 23% less expensive than Paterson

Calculate payment - Paterson Calculate payment - Worcester

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

Worcester, 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%

Worcester, 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.