Clayton, NJ vs Cliffwood Beach, NJ

The cost of living difference between Clayton, NJ and Cliffwood Beach, NJ is dramatic. Clayton is 36.8% cheaper than Cliffwood Beach, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clayton has a cost index of 92 while Cliffwood Beach sits at 146, 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 Clayton is $1,204/month compared to $2,598/month in Cliffwood Beach — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clayton is more affordable at $244,800 median vs $340,600.

Median household income in Clayton is $89,375 compared to $108,854 in Cliffwood Beach (-17.9%). Cliffwood Beach does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Clayton spend roughly 16.2% of their income on rent, less than the 28.6% in Cliffwood Beach.