Is Paterson, NJ cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Paterson, NJ is 12.2% more expensive than Rochester, NY. This translates to spending an extra $915 per month.

What salary do I need in Paterson, NJ to live like I do in Rochester, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $160,982.449 in Paterson, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NY and Paterson, NJ?

Housing in Paterson, NJ is 7.3% more expensive than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NY to Paterson, NJ?

Living in Paterson, NJ costs approximately $915 more per month than Rochester, NY, or $10982 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY 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 Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $915/month more in Paterson, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.0K in Paterson, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Rochester, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$915

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.0K

Per year

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$198K

Paterson, NJ

Population:156K

Cost Index:

112

(12% above avg)

Median Home:$532K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K 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: Rochester, NY vs Paterson, NJ

Category	Rochester, NY	Paterson, NJ	Difference	Change
Other	$1,738/mo	$2,026/mo	↑ $288more	16.5%
Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,598/mo	↑ $283more	21.6%
Housing	$2,108/mo	$2,261/mo	↑ $153more	7.3%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$688/mo	↑ $140more	25.6%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,099/mo	↑ $70.39more	6.8%
All Utilities	$631/mo	$596/mo	↓ $35.16less	5.6%

Other

↑ 16.5%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Difference

$288

Transportation

↑ 21.6%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Difference

$283

Housing

↑ 7.3%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Difference

$153

Healthcare

↑ 25.6%

Rochester, NY

$548

Paterson, NJ

$688

Difference

$140

Groceries

↑ 6.8%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Difference

$70.39

All Utilities

↓ 5.6%

Rochester, NY

$631

Paterson, NJ

$596

Difference

$35.16

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,157

To$1,510

↑ $353

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,720

↑ $411

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,980

↑ $347

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$2,420

↑ $452

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$8,267

Monthly in Paterson, NJ

$899

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Paterson

$198K

Median Value

$532K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.5%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$469K - $567K

Homes in Paterson are 169% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Paterson

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$176

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.