City Comparison
Elizabeth vs Toms River
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Toms River scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elizabeth
Toms River
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elizabeth is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
27% lower than in Toms River.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elizabeth's average rent is
32% lower than Toms River's.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Toms River | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,916 | $2,800 | -32% |
| Groceries | $400 | $460 | -13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 | -5% |
| Transport | $90 | $130 | -31% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $260 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,816 | $3,840 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 115 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toms River offers 10% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toms River delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elizabeth is estimated at
$55,000 vs $65,000 in Toms River.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 62,609 idx |
| Household Income | $66,555 | $99,547 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.6°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Elizabeth sees 5.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.80°F | 55.40°F |
| Summer High | 84.30°F | 82.00°F |
| Winter Low | 25.00°F | 26.90°F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | 41.30 in |
| Snowfall | 19.10 in | 13.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | 243 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elizabeth has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Toms River.
Elizabeth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elizabeth leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elizabeth is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Toms River.
From a growth perspective, Elizabeth is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toms River has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,675 | 101,621 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.87% | 0.72% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 42.5 |
| Unemployment | 6.10% | 4.30% |
| 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.
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.
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
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
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