City Comparison
Elizabeth vs Paterson
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elizabeth scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elizabeth
Paterson
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Paterson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Elizabeth.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Paterson | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,916 | $1,900 | +1% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $90 | $90 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $230 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,816 | $2,800 | +1% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elizabeth offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elizabeth delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elizabeth is estimated at
$55,000 vs $60,000 in Paterson.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 58,036 idx |
| Household Income | $66,555 | $60,703 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.4°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Paterson sees 1.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.80°F | 54.40°F |
| Summer High | 84.30°F | 84.40°F |
| Winter Low | 25.00°F | 24.70°F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 19.10 in | 20.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | 251 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Elizabeth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elizabeth leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 68.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Paterson is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Elizabeth.
From a growth perspective, Elizabeth is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elizabeth has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,675 | 160,446 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.87% | 0.38% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 33.5 |
| Unemployment | 6.10% | 7.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elizabeth
Advantages
Median household income grew by 4.2% to $66,555 per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Exceptional public transit connectivity via NJ Transit rail and bus networks linking directly to New York City.
Strategic economic location adjacent to Newark Liberty International Airport and major port logistics hubs.
Vibrant multicultural community featuring diverse global dining, local markets, and cultural festivals.
Proximity to major higher education institutions, including Kean University located nearby in Union County.
Drawbacks
Poverty rate stands at approximately 15.7%, presenting ongoing socioeconomic challenges for a portion of residents.
High regional property taxes and housing costs typical of the New York metropolitan commuter zone.
Persistent urban traffic congestion along major freight corridors and highway intersections like Routes 1 and 9.
Limited single-family home inventory, leading to a highly competitive housing and rental market.
Industrial density in certain sectors contributes to localized environmental and air quality concerns.
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.
Elizabeth
#468New Jersey, USA
54.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,916
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
54.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.87%
Unemployment
6.10%
Livability
73
Business
69
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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