Cost of Living in Clearwater, FL
Population 117,075 · Florida · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clearwater lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $326,000 — 7% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Florida.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clearwater
The median home value in Clearwater is $326,100 — 7% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,539/month, 17% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,440/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Clearwater has a cost of living index of 111 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Clearwater, FL?
Clearwater has a cost index of 111 (100 = national average). It is 11% above the national average.
What is average rent in Clearwater, FL?
The median gross rent in Clearwater is $1,539 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clearwater?
The median home value in Clearwater is $326,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clearwater?
The median household income in Clearwater is $64,440 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clearwater, FL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clearwater is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.
Is Clearwater, FL affordable?
Clearwater is above average in cost of living, with an index of 111 — about 11% higher than the national average.
Clearwater at a Glance
- Population
- 117,075
- Median Income
- $64,440
- Home Value
- $326,100
- Median Rent
- $1,539/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Florida Rankings
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