City Comparison
Union City 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
Union City
Hamilton Township
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hamilton Township is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
30% lower than in Union City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Union City's average rent is
21% higher than Hamilton Township's.
| Metric | Union City | Hamilton Township | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,600 | $2,151 | +21% |
| Groceries | $420 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $315 | -43% |
| Transport | $110 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,540 | $2,466 | +44% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Union City offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Union City is estimated at
$62,000 vs $79,392 in Hamilton Township.
| Metric | Union City | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $79,392 |
| Household Income | $64,310 | $100,771 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Union City runs warmer on average — a 54.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Union City comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Union City sees 19.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Union City | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
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 | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 33 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 82.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 89.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Low | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hamilton Township is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Union City.
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 | Union City | Hamilton Township |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,221 | 94,267 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 37.4 | 42.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 4.20% |
| 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
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.
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
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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