Clifton, NJ vs Toms River, NJ

Clifton, NJ and Toms River, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4% difference in their overall index. Clifton scores 126 while Toms River scores 121 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clifton is $1,658/month compared to $1,678/month in Toms River — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Clifton has cheaper rent, Toms River actually has lower median home values ($377,800 vs $444,300).

Median household income in Clifton is $99,003 compared to $95,759 in Toms River (+3.4%). The higher salaries in Clifton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Clifton spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, less than the 21% in Toms River.