Cost of Living in Clifton, NJ
Population 89,247 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clifton lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $444,000 — 46% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in New Jersey. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Clifton is part of the immediate Paterson metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 32% higher than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clifton
The median home value in Clifton is $444,300 — 46% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,658/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $99,003/year is 33% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 64.0°F and lows of 46.7°F. Overall, Clifton has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 67 | 56 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 63 | 69 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 2.82 | 4.09 | 3.97 | 3.94 | 4.25 | 4.45 | 4.25 | 4.11 | 3.73 | 3.30 | 4.10 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Clifton, NJ?
Clifton has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.
What is average rent in Clifton, NJ?
The median gross rent in Clifton is $1,658 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton is $444,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clifton?
The median household income in Clifton is $99,003 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clifton, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clifton is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Clifton, NJ affordable?
Clifton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Clifton?
Clifton has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 46.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Clifton at a Glance
- Population
- 89,247
- Median Income
- $99,003
- Home Value
- $444,300
- Median Rent
- $1,658/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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