Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Atlanta is 16% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,617/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 5%
$81,938/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 21%
$420,600 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 22%
$1,695/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 17%
499,287
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $17,498/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Atlanta or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Clearwater?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Clearwater?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $17,498/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Clearwater details →

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