Is Paterson, NJ cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Paterson, NJ is 6.7% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $504 per month.

What salary do I need in Paterson, NJ to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $156,047.431 in Paterson, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Paterson, NJ?

Housing in Paterson, NJ is 2.2% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Paterson, NJ?

Living in Paterson, NJ costs approximately $504 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $6047 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Philadelphia, PA vs Paterson, NJ: 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 Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $504/month more in Paterson, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.0K in Paterson, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$504

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

Paterson, NJ

Population:156K

Cost Index:

107

(7% above avg)

Median Home:$532K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Paterson, NJ

The Garden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Paterson, NJ

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Paterson, NJ	Difference	Change
Other	$1,774/mo	$2,026/mo	↑ $251more	14.2%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,598/mo	↑ $178more	12.5%
Healthcare	$607/mo	$688/mo	↑ $80.54more	13.3%
Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,261/mo	↓ $51.97less	2.2%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$596/mo	↓ $10.93less	1.8%
Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,099/mo	↓ $5.00less	0.5%

Other

↑ 14.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Difference

$251

Transportation

↑ 12.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Difference

$178

Healthcare

↑ 13.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Paterson, NJ

$688

Difference

$80.54

Housing

↓ 2.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Difference

$51.97

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Paterson, NJ

$596

Difference

$10.93

less

Groceries

↓ 0.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Difference

$5.00

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Paterson, NJ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,510

↑ $230

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,720

↑ $330

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,980

↑ $320

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,420

↑ $430

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

Paterson, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,860/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$8,267

Monthly in Paterson, NJ

$441

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Paterson

$241K

Median Value

$532K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.5%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$469K - $567K

Homes in Paterson are 121% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Paterson

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$235

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Paterson, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

💡 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.