Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Arlington is 93% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,275/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 32%
$140,160/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 54%
$864,800 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 62%
$2,414/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 42%
235,463
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $75,720/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Arlington or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Clearwater?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Clearwater?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $75,720/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Clearwater details →

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