City Comparison
Union City 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
Union City
Toms River
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Union City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Toms River.
| Metric | Union City | Toms River | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,600 | $2,800 | -7% |
| Groceries | $420 | $460 | -9% |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 | -5% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $260 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $3,540 | $3,840 | -8% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 115 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toms River offers 6% 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 Union City is estimated at
$62,000 vs $65,000 in Toms River.
| Metric | Union City | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,738 idx | 62,609 idx |
| Household Income | $64,310 | $99,547 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.7°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Union City sees 5.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Union City | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.70°F | 55.40°F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | 82.00°F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | 26.90°F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | 41.30 in |
| Snowfall | 19.30 in | 13.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | 243 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toms River has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Union City.
Union City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Union City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Union City | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 33 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 82.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 89.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Low | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toms River is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Union City.
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 | Union City | Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,221 | 101,621 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.72% |
| Median Age | 37.4 | 42.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Union City
Advantages
Median home property value remains more affordable than neighboring Hoboken and downtown Jersey City per 2024 Census data
Exceptional public transit connectivity featuring direct express buses to Manhattan's Port Authority in under 30 minutes
Highly walkable urban environment with dense commercial corridors like Bergenline Avenue meeting daily needs on foot
Rich cultural vibrancy and culinary diversity anchored by a prominent Hispanic heritage and community events
Proximity to major regional employment centers in New York City and Hudson County without waterfront luxury price tags
Drawbacks
High population density creates severe street parking shortages and competitive parking rules
Rental prices have risen steadily, putting cost pressure on lower-income households in the local market
Limited availability of single-family homes and private green spaces within city limits
A poverty rate exceeding 21% highlights persistent economic challenges among segments of the population
Aged housing stock in older multi-family buildings often requires frequent maintenance and capital repairs
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.
Union City
#550New Jersey, USA
48.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,600
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
122
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
82.0/100
Walkability
89.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
54.70°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
75
Business
67
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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