City Comparison
Brick vs Paterson
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brick scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brick
Paterson
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Paterson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Brick.
Housing costs are a major driver: Brick's average rent is
13% higher than Paterson's.
| Metric | Brick | Paterson | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,150 | $1,900 | +13% |
| Groceries | $460 | $400 | +15% |
| Utilities | $195 | $180 | +8% |
| Transport | $140 | $90 | +56% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $230 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,175 | $2,800 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brick offers 5% higher 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 Brick is estimated at
$62,000 vs $60,000 in Paterson.
| Metric | Brick | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,627 idx | 58,036 idx |
| Household Income | $94,850 | $60,703 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Paterson sees 5.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brick | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.40°F | 54.40°F |
| Summer High | 81.90°F | 84.40°F |
| Winter Low | 26.90°F | 24.70°F |
| Rainfall | 40.70 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 15.10 in | 20.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 244 | 251 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Paterson has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Brick.
Paterson scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Paterson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Brick | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 68.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Paterson is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Brick.
From a growth perspective, Brick is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Brick has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brick | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 73,620 | 160,446 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.38% |
| Median Age | 44.5 | 33.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 7.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brick
Advantages
Proximity to Jersey Shore beaches such as Point Pleasant and Mantoloking
Extensive waterfront access with boating and lagoon living along the Metedeconk River
Violent and property crime rates significantly below the US national average
Presence of Ocean Medical Center providing top-tier local healthcare access
High rate of homeownership and established suburban neighborhoods
Drawbacks
High property taxes typical of the New Jersey suburban market
Significant car dependency with limited public transit infrastructure within town
Seasonal traffic congestion along Route 70 and Route 88 during summer months
Rising housing costs and competitive rental market driven by coastal demand
Vulnerability to coastal storms and flooding in low-lying waterfront zones
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.
Brick
#365New Jersey, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,150
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
36.0/100
Sunny Days
244/yr
Avg Temp
55.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
79
Business
70
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
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