Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Clearwater is 72% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,539/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 39%
$64,440/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 2%
$326,100 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 52%
$1,411/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 31%
117,075
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $1,097/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Springfield — common questions

Is Clearwater or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Springfield?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Springfield?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $1,097/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Clearwater or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clearwater details → View Springfield details →

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