Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Clearwater is 9% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,539/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 11%
$64,440/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 5%
$326,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 3%
$1,411/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 16%
117,075
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $3,461/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Clearwater or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $3,461/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clearwater details → View Miami Gardens details →

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