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

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Richmond

California
161

Clearwater is 35% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,539/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 23%
$64,440/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 40%
$326,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 99%
$1,411/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 43%
117,075
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $25,598/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Richmond — common questions

Is Clearwater or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Richmond?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Richmond?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $25,598/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clearwater details → View Richmond details →

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