Clayton, NJ vs Somerset, NJ

The cost of living difference between Clayton, NJ and Somerset, NJ is dramatic. Clayton is 31.6% cheaper than Somerset, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clayton has a cost index of 92 while Somerset sits at 135, 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 $2,050/month in Somerset — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clayton is more affordable at $244,800 median vs $408,600.

Median household income in Clayton is $89,375 compared to $113,603 in Somerset (-21.3%). The higher salaries in Somerset partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Clayton spend roughly 16.2% of their income on rent, less than the 21.7% in Somerset.