Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Cambridge is 134% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,742/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 44%
$126,469/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 49%
$1,040,500 ↑ 219%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 69%
$2,634/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 46%
117,794
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,203/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $14,436/year.

Median household income is $62,029/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Cambridge or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Clearwater?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $1,203/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Clearwater?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $62,029/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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.
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