Clifton, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Clifton, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Clifton, NJ offers a suburban feel with easy access to New York City, making it a great place for families and commuters.

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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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Clifton
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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.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations and adhere to strict zoning laws.

Clifton is seeing growth in small businesses and tech startups. Property values are rising due to increased demand for suburban living near NYC.

Financial Tools

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Planning 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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