Gas Prices in Paterson, NJ Today

Paterson drivers are paying around $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded as of late March 2026, close to the New Jersey state average and well below what drivers across the Hudson River pay in New York City. There's a catch that every out-of-state visitor discovers quickly: New Jersey is the only state in the country where self-serve gas is illegal. An attendant pumps your gas, and that labor cost is baked into every gallon you buy, whether you like it or not.

The Full-Service Reality

New Jersey's full-serve law dates to 1949 and has survived every deregulation attempt since. The practical effect on Paterson drivers: prices here include a built-in service component that drivers in every other state pay for themselves. When comparing New Jersey prices to national averages, it's worth remembering that the number you see on the sign covers the attendant pumping for you.

That said, Paterson's prices are genuinely competitive within the New Jersey context. The city is densely populated, working-class, and home to a price-sensitive customer base that supports multiple gas stations competing actively on price. Paterson's station density along Broadway, Main Street, and Market Street means comparison shopping is easier than in suburban New Jersey, where you may drive further between stations.

Why Paterson Is Better-Positioned Than Many North Jersey Markets

Paterson sits in Passaic County, roughly 15 miles from the New York harbor, close to New York Harbor's petroleum terminals, which are among the largest fuel distribution hubs on the East Coast. This proximity to supply is a genuine advantage. Refineries in New Jersey itself (the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in Linden is the state's largest) feed those terminals, keeping North Jersey supply chains short.

New Jersey's gas tax is 42.4 cents per gallon, higher than most states, but the state has long used that revenue to avoid a general sales tax on gas, which many other states layer on top of their excise taxes. The net effect is that New Jersey's all-in pump price is more competitive than its raw tax rate suggests.

Where to Find the Cheapest Gas in Paterson

Station density in Paterson is high, so small differences in block-by-block pricing add up. The busiest commercial corridors tend to run the most competitive prices.

Search by ZIP:

• Downtown / Central Paterson, 07501, high competition on Broadway and Market, watch for the best price among several nearby options
• West Paterson edge / Garrett Mountain area, 07502, slightly lower density, compare before committing
• South Paterson / Riverside, 07503, residential-commercial mix, competitive pricing
• East Paterson / Elmwood Park border, 07504, near Route 4 commercial strip, good options
• North Paterson, 07505, check prices before heading to the outskirts

The New York Commuter Dynamic

A significant share of Paterson residents commute into New York City, either by NJ Transit bus or by driving to a PATH station. The commuter traffic creates peak demand during morning and evening windows. Mid-day fill-ups avoid the rush and occasionally find stations with slightly softer pricing when competition for cars at the pump is lower.

→ Search gas prices in your Paterson ZIP code

→ See all Paterson ZIP codes

→ New Jersey gas prices overview