City Comparison
Passaic 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
Passaic
Hamilton Township
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hamilton Township is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Passaic.
| Metric | Passaic | Hamilton Township | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,125 | $2,151 | -1% |
| Groceries | $420 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $315 | -43% |
| Transport | $110 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,065 | $2,466 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Passaic offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Passaic is estimated at
$62,000 vs $79,392 in Hamilton Township.
| Metric | Passaic | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $79,392 |
| Household Income | $55,371 | $100,771 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Passaic runs warmer on average — a 54.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Passaic comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Passaic sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Passaic | 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
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Passaic scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Passaic leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Passaic | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 68.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hamilton Township is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Passaic.
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 | Passaic | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 71,337 | 94,267 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.35% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 31.9 | 42.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Passaic
Advantages
Average rent of $2,125 offers a more accessible entry point into the New York metro area compared to nearby towns
Exceptional transit connectivity via NJ Transit rail and bus lines offering direct routes to New York City
Rich cultural diversity reflected in a vibrant culinary scene, local festivals, and active commercial districts
High urban walkability with dense neighborhood amenities and local parks situated along the Passaic River
Strategic geographic location within Passaic County providing rapid access to major highways like Route 21 and the Garden State Parkway
Drawbacks
Median household income of $55,371 lags behind the broader New Jersey state and county averages
High population density creates persistent challenges regarding street parking, traffic congestion, and limited open space
Local poverty rate of approximately 22.9% presents ongoing socio-economic hurdles for municipal services
Aged housing stock often requires significant maintenance and modernization investments for property owners
Proximity to major industrial corridors contributes to local environmental and air quality management challenges
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.
Passaic
#560New Jersey, USA
47.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,125
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
68.0/100
Walkability
82.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
54.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.35%
Unemployment
5.70%
Livability
71
Business
67
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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