Clifton, NJ vs Jersey City, NJ

Clifton is moderately more affordable than Jersey City, with a 10.5% lower cost of living index. Clifton scores 126 compared to 141 for Jersey City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Jersey City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Clifton is $1,658/month compared to $1,902/month in Jersey City — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clifton is more affordable at $444,300 median vs $534,500.

Median household income in Clifton is $99,003 compared to $94,813 in Jersey City (+4.4%). Clifton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clifton spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, less than the 24.1% in Jersey City.