Paterson, NJ Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 2 Location

Paterson, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Paterson offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with rich cultural diversity and affordable living.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Paterson
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Paterson
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Paterson
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Paterson?

Moving to Paterson? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

Paterson Municipal Utilities Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Paterson Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Paterson’s housing market is competitive with rising demand for affordable homes. Many buyers are attracted to the city’s historic architecture and proximity to NYC.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Crime, affordable housing, infrastructure
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is accessible but crowded; some stations lack elevators.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
  • 🎯
    Lambert Castle
  • 🎯
    Paterson Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Eastside and South Paterson are popular for families due to better schools and quieter streets. These areas offer more green spaces and community amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Paterson based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Local Regulation Notice

Residents must register vehicles with the city and obtain permits for home renovations.

Relocation Overview

Paterson is seeing growth in small businesses and tech startups. The city is investing in revitalizing its downtown area to attract more residents.

Live Local News

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Paterson — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$48,540
👤 Median Age
33.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
26.2%
🔑 Renter Rate
73.8%
📉 Poverty Rate
25.1%
💼 Unemployment Rate
9.3%
📡 Internet Access
81.3%
🎓 College Educated
11.9%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs and in summer due to air conditioning. Spring and fall typically see lower utility bills.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by ZIP, with Paterson city surtaxes applied county-wide.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10 with explanation: sidewalks are uneven in some areas, parks are accessible, but transit elevator access is limited.

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.