Clifton, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Clifton, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

Passaic Valley Water Commission
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Clifton Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Clifton is competitive, with steady demand for single-family homes and condos. Prices have risen slightly due to its proximity to NYC.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters.
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is accessible but crowded during peak hours. Buses are stroller-friendly, but subway access requires elevators.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Clifton Skate Zone
  • 🎯
    Nash Park
  • 🎯
    Clifton Public Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Allwood and Montclair Heights are popular for families due to good schools and parks. Botany Village offers affordable housing with a community feel.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Clifton based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Clifton — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$86,616
👤 Median Age
39.7
🏠 Homeownership Rate
57.1%
🔑 Renter Rate
42.9%
📉 Poverty Rate
8.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
5.9%
📡 Internet Access
88.0%
🎓 College Educated
30.5%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees higher electricity use for air conditioning.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by neighborhood, with no local surtaxes specific to Clifton.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, parks are accessible, but transit elevator access is limited.

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