Is Paterson, NJ cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Paterson, NJ is 20.2% cheaper than Worcester, MA. This translates to saving $1518 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $131,779.217 in Paterson, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Paterson, NJ is 47.6% cheaper than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,980/month in Paterson, NJ compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Moving from Worcester, MA to Paterson, NJ could save you approximately $1518 per month, or $18221 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA 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 Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.8K in Paterson, NJ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 20.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,518

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.2K

Per year

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

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$410K

Paterson, NJ

Population:156K

Cost Index:

(20% below avg)

Median Home:$532K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K 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: Worcester, MA vs Paterson, NJ

Category	Worcester, MA	Paterson, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$2,261/mo	↓ $2,054less	47.6%
Other	$1,658/mo	$2,026/mo	↑ $367more	22.1%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$596/mo	↓ $86.80less	12.7%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,099/mo	↑ $70.36more	6.8%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $65.33less	3.9%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$688/mo	↓ $21.06less	3.0%

Housing

↓ 47.6%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Paterson, NJ

$2,261

Difference

$2,054

less

Other

↑ 22.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Paterson, NJ

$2,026

Difference

$367

All Utilities

↓ 12.7%

Worcester, MA

$682

Paterson, NJ

$596

Difference

$86.80

less

Groceries

↑ 6.8%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Paterson, NJ

$1,099

Difference

$70.36

Transportation

↓ 3.9%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Paterson, NJ

$1,598

Difference

$65.33

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.0%

Worcester, MA

$709

Paterson, NJ

$688

Difference

$21.06

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$1,510

↑ $235

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,720

↑ $438

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,980

↑ $335

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$2,420

↑ $381

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/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.

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$8,267

Monthly in Paterson, NJ

$1,790

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Paterson

$410K

Median Value

$532K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.5%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$469K - $567K

Homes in Paterson are 30% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester 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

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

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

Worcester, 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.