City Comparison
Paterson 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
Paterson
Toms River
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Paterson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
27% lower than in Toms River.
Housing costs are a major driver: Paterson's average rent is
32% lower than Toms River's.
| Metric | Paterson | Toms River | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,900 | $2,800 | -32% |
| Groceries | $400 | $460 | -13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 | -5% |
| Transport | $90 | $130 | -31% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $260 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $3,840 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 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 Paterson is estimated at
$60,000 vs $65,000 in Toms River.
| Metric | Paterson | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,036 idx | 62,609 idx |
| Household Income | $60,703 | $99,547 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Paterson sees 7.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Paterson | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.40°F | 55.40°F |
| Summer High | 84.40°F | 82.00°F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | 26.90°F |
| Rainfall | 42.80 in | 41.30 in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | 13.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | 243 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Paterson scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Paterson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Paterson | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 68.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Paterson is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Toms River.
From a growth perspective, Toms River 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 | Paterson | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 160,446 | 101,621 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.38% | 0.72% |
| Median Age | 33.5 | 42.5 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 4.30% |
| 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
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.
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
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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