City Comparison
Toms River vs Hamilton Township
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Toms River scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Toms River
Hamilton Township
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hamilton Township is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
36% lower than in Toms River.
Housing costs are a major driver: Toms River's average rent is
30% higher than Hamilton Township's.
| Metric | Toms River | Hamilton Township | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,800 | $2,151 | +30% |
| Groceries | $460 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $190 | $315 | -40% |
| Transport | $130 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,840 | $2,466 | +56% |
| Cost Index | 115 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toms River offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Toms River is estimated at
$65,000 vs $79,392 in Hamilton Township.
| Metric | Toms River | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $79,392 |
| Household Income | $99,547 | $100,771 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Toms River runs warmer on average — a 55.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Toms River comes out ahead with 243 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Toms River sees 13.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Toms River | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 41.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 243 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Hamilton Township 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 | Toms River | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toms River is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x 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 | Toms River | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 101,621 | 94,267 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.72% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 42.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Toms River
Advantages
Median household income is strong at approximately $99,547, outperforming national averages per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Proximity to the Jersey Shore provides unmatched access to beaches, boating, and coastal recreation.
High homeownership rate of over 81% reflects a stable, family-oriented community fabric.
Crime rates remain lower than the national average, ensuring safe neighborhoods across the township.
Extensive local parks, recreational programs, and community events enhance everyday lifestyle quality.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living and property taxes are significantly higher than the national median.
Heavy reliance on personal vehicles leads to seasonal traffic congestion along primary travel routes.
Average monthly rent prices exceed $2,800, creating affordability hurdles for prospective renters.
Summer tourism influx causes temporary crowding on local roadways and beaches.
Vulnerability to severe coastal weather events requires ongoing infrastructure and insurance considerations.
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.
Toms River
#357New Jersey, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,800
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
115
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
243/yr
Avg Temp
55.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.72%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
77
Business
70
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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