Is Paterson, NJ cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Paterson, NJ is 20.0% cheaper than Providence, RI. This translates to saving $1504 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $131,956.869 in Paterson, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Paterson, NJ is 47.5% cheaper than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

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

Moving from Providence, RI to Paterson, NJ could save you approximately $1504 per month, or $18043 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI 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 Providence, RI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Paterson, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $132.0K in Paterson, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↓ 20.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,504

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.0K

Per year

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

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$430K

Paterson, NJ

Population:156K

Cost Index:

(20% below avg)

Median Home:$532K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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: Providence, RI vs Paterson, NJ

Category	Providence, RI	Paterson, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$2,261/mo	↓ $2,043less	47.5%
Other	$1,654/mo	$2,026/mo	↑ $371more	22.4%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$596/mo	↓ $85.96less	12.6%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,099/mo	↑ $71.63more	7.0%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $61.23less	3.7%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$688/mo	↓ $20.18less	2.9%

Housing

↓ 47.5%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Difference

$2,043

less

Other

↑ 22.4%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Difference

$371

All Utilities

↓ 12.6%

Providence, RI

$682

Paterson, NJ

$596

Difference

$85.96

less

Groceries

↑ 7.0%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Difference

$71.63

Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Difference

$61.23

less

Healthcare

↓ 2.9%

Providence, RI

$708

Paterson, NJ

$688

Difference

$20.18

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$1,510

↑ $138

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,720

↑ $256

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$1,980

↑ $177

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$2,420

↑ $239

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/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.

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$8,267

Monthly in Paterson, NJ

$1,768

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Paterson

$430K

Median Value

$532K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.5%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$469K - $567K

Homes in Paterson are 24% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Paterson

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $988

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$82.29

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

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

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

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

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.