City Comparison
Paterson vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Paterson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Paterson
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
30% lower than in Paterson.
Housing costs are a major driver: Paterson's average rent is
100% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Paterson | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,900 | $950 | +100% |
| Groceries | $400 | $342 | +17% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $90 | $180 | -50% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $200 | +15% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,967 | +42% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 8% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Paterson is estimated at
$60,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Paterson | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,036 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $60,703 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Paterson runs warmer on average — a 54.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Paterson comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Paterson sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Paterson | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Paterson.
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 | Paterson | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 68.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Paterson.
From a growth perspective, Paterson is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Paterson | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 160,446 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.38% | — |
| Median Age | 33.5 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 4.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Toledo
#590Ohio, USA
43.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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