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

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Downey

California
169

Clearwater is 38% cheaper than Downey.

$1,539/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 23%
$64,440/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 36%
$326,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 123%
$1,411/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 42%
117,075
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $22,960/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Downey — common questions

Is Clearwater or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Downey?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Downey?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $22,960/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clearwater details → View Downey details →

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