Paterson, New Jersey combines metropolitan convenience with historical significance. Located 15 miles from New York City, this city features housing options from historic brownstones to contemporary apartment communities. The rental market remains steady, with average rents of $1,412 for one-bedroom units showing a modest annual increase of 2.5%. Two-bedroom apartments average $1,835, making Paterson a cost-effective alternative to surrounding metropolitan areas.
The Great Falls Historic District anchors the community, featuring the impressive Great Falls of the Passaic River - a National Historical Park that highlights the city's industrial heritage. The Paterson Museum, located in the former Rogers Locomotive Works building, preserves and showcases local history through industrial artifacts and exhibitions. South Paterson features Mediterranean and South American influences, with markets and cafes along Main Street and Market Street. The Eastside Park Historic District showcases preserved architecture surrounding the 66-acre park. Downtown Paterson combines historical Beaux-Arts buildings with contemporary developments, including the Center City Mall.
As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Paterson, NJ is $1,078 for a studio, $1,450 for one bedroom, $1,998 for two bedrooms, and $2,258 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Paterson has increased by 1.4% in the past year.
Experience all New Jersey offers without breaking the bank. Here are 10 cities with the cheapest rent in the state.
Very Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.
Good Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
The area around this property has good transit with many nearby transportation options.
Somewhat Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.
Public
Grades PK-8
484 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
726 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
835 Students
Public
Grades K-5
785 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
564 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
484 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
726 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
835 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
564 Students
Public
Grades K-8
485 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
694 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
252 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
202 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
295 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,053 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.
