Cost of Living in Paterson, NJ
Population 157,660 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Paterson's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $53,766 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Paterson
The median home value in Paterson is $335,400 — 10% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,457/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,766/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 62.4°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Paterson has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 41 | 49 | 62 | 72 | 81 | 85 | 84 | 76 | 65 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 60 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.04 | 2.55 | 4.07 | 3.71 | 3.39 | 4.27 | 4.33 | 4.49 | 3.72 | 3.97 | 3.30 | 4.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ?
Paterson has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.
What is average rent in Paterson, NJ?
The median gross rent in Paterson is $1,457 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Paterson?
The median home value in Paterson is $335,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Paterson?
The median household income in Paterson is $53,766 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Paterson, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Paterson is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Paterson, NJ affordable?
Paterson is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Paterson?
Paterson has average high temperatures of 62.4°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Paterson at a Glance
- Population
- 157,660
- Median Income
- $53,766
- Home Value
- $335,400
- Median Rent
- $1,457/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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