Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Austin is 28% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,655/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 7%
$91,461/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 30%
$512,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 36%
$1,747/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 19%
967,862
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $27,021/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Austin or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Clearwater?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Clearwater?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $27,021/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Clearwater details →

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