City Comparison
Paterson vs Hamilton Township
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hamilton Township scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Paterson
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 Paterson.
Housing costs are a major driver: Paterson's average rent is
12% lower than Hamilton Township's.
| Metric | Paterson | Hamilton Township | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,900 | $2,151 | -12% |
| Groceries | $400 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $315 | -43% |
| Transport | $90 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,466 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Paterson offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Paterson is estimated at
$60,000 vs $79,392 in Hamilton Township.
| Metric | Paterson | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $79,392 |
| Household Income | $60,703 | $100,771 |
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 | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Paterson has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Hamilton Township.
Paterson 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 | Paterson | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 68.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Paterson is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x 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 | Paterson | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 160,446 | 94,267 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.38% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 33.5 | 42.0 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 4.20% |
| 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
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.
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
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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