Clayton, NJ vs Summit, NJ

The cost of living difference between Clayton, NJ and Summit, NJ is dramatic. Clayton is 51.1% cheaper than Summit, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clayton has a cost index of 92 while Summit sits at 189, 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 $2,308/month in Summit — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clayton is more affordable at $244,800 median vs $969,900.

Median household income in Clayton is $89,375 compared to $199,107 in Summit (-55.1%). While Summit is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clayton spend roughly 16.2% of their income on rent, more than the 13.9% in Summit.