Carteret, NJ vs Clayton, NJ

The cost of living difference between Carteret, NJ and Clayton, NJ is dramatic. Clayton is 41.5% cheaper than Carteret, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carteret has a cost index of 131 while Clayton sits at 92, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Carteret is $2,012/month compared to $1,204/month in Clayton — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clayton is more affordable at $244,800 median vs $370,200.

Median household income in Carteret is $87,553 compared to $89,375 in Clayton (-2%). Clayton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carteret spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in Clayton.