Cost of Living in Clifton, NJ - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,075 (excluding rent), and $3,023 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,915 (excluding rent), and $5,240 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.86 $19.86

$11.91 $11.91

$20.35 $20.35

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.1 $99.1

$59.4 $59.4

$119 $119

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.82 $11.82

$9.85 $9.85

$13.79 $13.79

Cappuccino

$5.82 $5.82

$3.91 $3.91

$6.85 $6.85

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.40 $2.40

$1.84 $1.84

$2.83 $2.83

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.65 $1.65

$1.28 $1.28

$2.04 $2.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.20 $7.20

$5.15 $5.15

$12.35 $12.35

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.14 $7.14

$15.30 $15.30

Milk (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$0.77 $0.77

$1.80 $1.80

White Bread (500g)

$4.18 $4.18

$2.16 $2.16

$6.50 $6.50

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.64 $5.64

$1.54 $1.54

$7.15 $7.15

Eggs

$6.80 $6.80

$3.08 $3.08

$9.25 $9.25

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.08 $13.08

$8.41 $8.41

$44.73 $44.73

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.27 $10.27

$6.60 $6.60

$24.20 $24.20

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.61 $19.61

$13.08 $13.08

$32.69 $32.69

Apples (1kg)

$5.63 $5.63

$2.15 $2.15

$6.51 $6.51

Banana (1kg)

$2.56 $2.56

$1.11 $1.11

$4.53 $4.53

Oranges (1kg)

$4.29 $4.29

$1.66 $1.66

$6.65 $6.65

Tomato (1kg)

$5.07 $5.07

$2.23 $2.23

$8.92 $8.92

Potato (1kg)

$2.97 $2.97

$1.07 $1.07

$4.29 $4.29

Onion (1kg)

$2.64 $2.64

$1.86 $1.86

$6.73 $6.73

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.82 $2.82

$1.51 $1.51

$3.53 $3.53

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.57 $2.57

$1.02 $1.02

$3.57 $3.57

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$17.27 $17.27

$9.87 $9.87

$19.74 $19.74

Wine (Bottle)

$14.96 $14.96

$12.92 $12.92

$19.95 $19.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.79 $1.79

$1.71 $1.71

$4.25 $4.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.80 $3.80

$2.01 $2.01

$7.03 $7.03

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.79 $2.79

$6.10 $6.10

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.92 $2.92

$7.78 $7.78

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.60 $1.60

$3.36 $3.36

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.43 $42.43

$30.30 $30.30

$45.46 $45.46

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.89 $0.89

$0.76 $0.76

$0.96 $0.96

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31.4K $31.4K

$23.7K $23.7K

$36.4K $36.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.8K $25.8K

$20.5K $20.5K

$26.0K $26.0K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$216 $216

$90.8 $90.8

$303 $303

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.4 $54.4

$30.48 $30.48

$71.1 $71.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.1 $64.1

$51.0 $51.0

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.07 $21.07

$17.05 $17.05

$25.08 $25.08

Cinema Ticket

$19.89 $19.89

$15.92 $15.92

$24.87 $24.87

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,736 $1,736

$1,488 $1,488

$4,134 $4,134

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$16.2K $16.2K

$65.9K $65.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.9 $50.9

$20.36 $20.36

$56.0 $56.0

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$19.95 $19.95

$74.8 $74.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$91.7 $91.7

$71.3 $71.3

$102 $102

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$171 $171

$80.0 $80.0

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,721 $1,721

$1,215 $1,215

$1,880 $1,880

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,632 $1,632

$1,484 $1,484

$1,781 $1,781

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,709 $2,709

$2,007 $2,007

$3,010 $3,010

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,239 $2,239

$1,730 $1,730

$2,544 $2,544

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,273 $4,273

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.44

7.15

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 12, 2026

Clifton, NJ Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Clifton, NJ - Frequently Asked Questions

Clifton offers a practical balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want access to New York City’s opportunities without NYC prices. You’ll find a mix of housing styles – older apartments, family homes, and duplexes – often more space for the money than in the city. Local groceries, casual dining, and services are convenient, and road and rail links make trips to nearby hubs straightforward. The main trade-off is that costs rise with proximity to transit lines and popular neighborhoods, so expect occasional spikes during peak commute periods. Cost of Living in Clifton, NJ, United States tends to feel manageable for longer stays and a steady routine. Tip: Start with a short rental to test neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in Clifton works well for sprightly work routines and practical errands. For housing, look for walkable blocks near town centers or rail stops, and compare older apartments with newer builds to balance space and energy costs. Food options range from neighborhood bodegas to diverse ethnic markets and family-owned trattorias, with seasonal produce online or at farmers markets when available. Transport is flexible: you can drive, ride-shares, or use NJ Transit connections to Jersey City or NYC; many remote workers value nearby coworking spaces and coffee shops with reliable Wi‑Fi. Clifton, NJ, United States living cost is a helpful frame to compare neighborhoods and transit access as you plan. Tip: map out a two-week search itinerary to sample areas.

Quality of life in Clifton hinges on neighborhood fit and a practical budgeting approach. Start with a mental housing envelope that aligns with commute preference, safety, and access to groceries. In-season costs might shift as you heat or cool spaces, snag seasonal produce, or join local fitness or recreation programs. Walkable or transit-friendly areas tend to save on transport and time, especially if you’ll work part of the week from home. For daily life, join community groups to get a sense of safety and vibe, or test nearby cafes and markets at different hours. Tip: build a simple monthly plan that covers housing, groceries, transit, and occasional outings, and adjust as you settle.