City Comparison
Passaic vs Paterson
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Passaic scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Passaic
Paterson
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Paterson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Passaic.
Housing costs are a major driver: Passaic's average rent is
12% higher than Paterson's.
| Metric | Passaic | Paterson | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,125 | $1,900 | +12% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $90 | +22% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $230 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,065 | $2,800 | +9% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Paterson offers 11% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Paterson delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Passaic is estimated at
$62,000 vs $60,000 in Paterson.
| Metric | Passaic | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,704 idx | 58,036 idx |
| Household Income | $55,371 | $60,703 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Passaic | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.40°F | 54.40°F |
| Summer High | 84.40°F | 84.40°F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | 24.70°F |
| Rainfall | 42.80 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | 20.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | 251 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Paterson has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Passaic.
Passaic scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Passaic leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Passaic | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 68.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 68.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Paterson is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Passaic.
From a growth perspective, Paterson is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Passaic has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Passaic | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 71,337 | 160,446 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.35% | 0.38% |
| Median Age | 31.9 | 33.5 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 7.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Passaic
Advantages
Average rent of $2,125 offers a more accessible entry point into the New York metro area compared to nearby towns
Exceptional transit connectivity via NJ Transit rail and bus lines offering direct routes to New York City
Rich cultural diversity reflected in a vibrant culinary scene, local festivals, and active commercial districts
High urban walkability with dense neighborhood amenities and local parks situated along the Passaic River
Strategic geographic location within Passaic County providing rapid access to major highways like Route 21 and the Garden State Parkway
Drawbacks
Median household income of $55,371 lags behind the broader New Jersey state and county averages
High population density creates persistent challenges regarding street parking, traffic congestion, and limited open space
Local poverty rate of approximately 22.9% presents ongoing socio-economic hurdles for municipal services
Aged housing stock often requires significant maintenance and modernization investments for property owners
Proximity to major industrial corridors contributes to local environmental and air quality management challenges
Paterson
Advantages
Historic charm anchored by the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and rich industrial heritage
Exceptional ethnic and cultural diversity with a vibrant array of authentic international cuisine and festivals
Strong commuter connectivity via NJ Transit buses and trains providing direct routes to New York City
More accessible housing entry points compared to neighboring upscale Bergen and Essex County municipalities
Active downtown commercial districts with deep-rooted small businesses and expanding urban revitalization projects
Drawbacks
Higher than average cost of living driven primarily by regional metropolitan housing pressures
Poverty rates remain elevated in specific pockets, posing ongoing economic and social challenges
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along major thoroughfares like Interstate 80 and Route 19
Variable public school performance requiring families to navigate selective magnet or private educational options
Urban density can lead to parking shortages and limited green space in certain inner-city neighborhoods
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Passaic
#560New Jersey, USA
47.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,125
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
68.0/100
Walkability
82.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
54.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.35%
Unemployment
5.70%
Livability
71
Business
67
Paterson
#588New Jersey, USA
44.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,900
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
68.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
54.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.38%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
69
Business
65
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Passaic and Paterson.
Open Cost Calculator