City Comparison
Elizabeth vs Hamilton Township
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elizabeth scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elizabeth
Hamilton Township
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hamilton Township is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Elizabeth.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elizabeth's average rent is
11% lower than Hamilton Township's.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Hamilton Township | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,916 | $2,151 | -11% |
| Groceries | $400 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $315 | -43% |
| Transport | $90 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,816 | $2,466 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elizabeth offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elizabeth is estimated at
$55,000 vs $79,392 in Hamilton Township.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $79,392 |
| Household Income | $66,555 | $100,771 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elizabeth runs warmer on average — a 54.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elizabeth comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elizabeth sees 19.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elizabeth has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Hamilton Township.
Elizabeth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hamilton Township leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elizabeth is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Hamilton Township.
From a growth perspective, Hamilton Township is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hamilton Township has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,675 | 94,267 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.87% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 42.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.10% | 4.20% |
| 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.
Hamilton Township
Advantages
Affordable housing with good value compared to other regional options in New Jersey.
Strong sense of community with numerous parks, recreational facilities, and annual events.
Strategic location offering easy access to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia via road and public transit.
Lower municipal property taxes compared to neighboring towns in Mercer County.
Recognized as a "Healthy Town Gold Level" for its commitment to community health and wellness programs.
Drawbacks
Some residents desire more diverse dining and nightlife options.
Concerns about motor vehicle enforcement and reckless driving in certain areas.
Infrastructure improvements, such as addressing potholes, are desired by residents.
Limited public transportation options beyond key bus routes and the train station, leading to car dependency for many errands.
Average rent prices are higher than the national average.
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
Hamilton Township
#498New Jersey, USA
52.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,151
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
72.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
68
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