Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Clearwater is 3% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,539/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 10%
$64,440/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 20%
$326,100 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 10%
$1,411/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 10%
117,075
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $12,628/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Brandon — common questions

Is Clearwater or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Brandon?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Brandon?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $12,628/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Clearwater or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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