Is Paterson, NJ cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Paterson, NJ is 1.4% cheaper than Springfield, MA. This translates to saving $105 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you'd need approximately $148,743.294 in Paterson, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Paterson, NJ is 35.2% cheaper than in Springfield, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ compared to $1,150/month in Springfield, MA.

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

Moving from Springfield, MA to Paterson, NJ could save you approximately $105 per month, or $1257 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Springfield, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $105/month moving to Paterson, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.7K in Paterson, NJ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$105

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.3K

Per year

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

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$294K

Paterson, NJ

Population:156K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$532K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K 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: Springfield, MA vs Paterson, NJ

Category	Springfield, MA	Paterson, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,490/mo	$2,261/mo	↓ $1,229less	35.2%
Other	$1,341/mo	$2,026/mo	↑ $684more	51.0%
Transportation	$1,346/mo	$1,598/mo	↑ $253more	18.8%
Groceries	$925/mo	$1,099/mo	↑ $174more	18.8%
Healthcare	$637/mo	$688/mo	↑ $50.28more	7.9%
All Utilities	$614/mo	$596/mo	↓ $18.12less	3.0%

Housing

↓ 35.2%

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Difference

$1,229

less

Other

↑ 51.0%

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Difference

$684

Transportation

↑ 18.8%

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Difference

$253

Groceries

↑ 18.8%

Springfield, MA

$925

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Difference

$174

Healthcare

↑ 7.9%

Springfield, MA

$637

Paterson, NJ

$688

Difference

$50.28

All Utilities

↓ 3.0%

Springfield, MA

$614

Paterson, NJ

$596

Difference

$18.12

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$809

To$1,510

↑ $701

1 Bed

From$915

To$1,720

↑ $805

2 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,980

↑ $830

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,420

↑ $1,011

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/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.

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$8,267

Monthly in Paterson, NJ

$86.28

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Paterson

$294K

Median Value

$532K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.5%

$137K - $323K

Price Range

$469K - $567K

Homes in Paterson are 81% more expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - Springfield Calculate payment - Paterson

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $69.50

Per year

Monthly Difference

$5.79

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.