Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Clearwater is 58% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,539/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 74%
$64,440/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 116%
$326,100 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 255%
$1,411/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 99%
117,075
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,139/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $13,668/year.

Median household income is $74,886/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Clearwater or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,139/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $74,886/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Clearwater or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clearwater details → View Carlsbad details →

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