Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Bellevue is 138% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,505/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 39%
$161,300/yr ↑ 150%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 60%
$1,203,100 ↑ 269%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 73%
$2,586/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 45%
151,199
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $966/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $11,592/year.

Median household income is $96,860/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Bellevue or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Clearwater?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $966/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Clearwater?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $96,860/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Clearwater

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville