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Cost of Living in Paterson

Paterson, New Jersey, United States · Population 158,735

▼ -6% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,246
Couple, monthly$2,273
Family of four, monthly$2,999

Estimated Prices in Paterson

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00per meal
Cappuccino$3.38each
Monthly groceries (single person)$255per month
Monthly public transport pass$41.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50per month
Fitness club membership$31.50per month
Cinema ticket$8.25each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Paterson is $3,900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,246 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,620 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Paterson

Paterson vs New YorkPaterson vs Los AngelesPaterson vs ChicagoPaterson vs MiamiPaterson vs HoustonPaterson vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Haledon

3 km away · New Jersey

Elmwood Park

4 km away · New Jersey

Woodland Park

4 km away · New Jersey

Fair Lawn

4 km away · New Jersey

Hawthorne

5 km away · New Jersey

Totowa

5 km away · New Jersey

North Haledon

6 km away · New Jersey

Saddle Brook

6 km away · New Jersey

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Paterson

Paterson is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,246, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,999 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,273 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Paterson is $3,900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,620 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paterson expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in Paterson including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Paterson?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Paterson with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Paterson is $3,900.
How much is rent in Paterson?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 per month in the city centre and $496 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488.
Is Paterson cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Paterson is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Paterson?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in Paterson. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Paterson compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Paterson is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Paterson are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 158,735). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.