City Comparison
Edison vs Hamilton Township
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Edison scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Edison
Hamilton Township
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hamilton Township is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Edison.
| Metric | Edison | Hamilton Township | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,200 | $2,151 | +2% |
| Groceries | $480 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $185 | $315 | -41% |
| Transport | $140 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,235 | $2,466 | +31% |
| Cost Index | 124 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Edison offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Edison is estimated at
$65,000 vs $79,392 in Hamilton Township.
| Metric | Edison | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $82,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $79,392 |
| Household Income | $105,000 | $100,771 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Edison runs warmer on average — a 55°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Edison comes out ahead with 250 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Edison sees 16.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Edison | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 41.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 16.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Edison 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 | Edison | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Edison 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.
| Metric | Edison | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,585 | 94,267 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 41.5 | 42.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Edison
Advantages
Edison Public Schools rank consistently high in academic performance and college readiness within New Jersey.
Exceptional commuter access via two Northeast Corridor NJ Transit stations and major highways like I-287 and the NJ Turnpike.
Rich cultural diversity reflected in a vibrant array of authentic dining, grocery stores, and community festivals.
Abundant recreational green spaces, notably the sprawling Roosevelt Park with its lake and cultural arts center.
Strong local economy anchored by major corporate presence, healthcare, and professional services.
Drawbacks
High property taxes and cost of living compared to the national average.
Heavy rush-hour traffic congestion along major thoroughfares such as Route 1 and Interstate 287.
Fierce competition and high price points in the local housing and real estate market.
High degree of car dependency for daily errands outside of immediate transit and commercial zones.
Limited new single-family housing inventory driving up purchase prices.
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.
Edison
#410New Jersey, USA
58.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,200
Avg Salary
$82,000
Cost Index
124
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
55.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
81
Business
75
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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