Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)
Clearwater
Florida
105
VS
The Woodlands
Texas
139
Clearwater is 34% cheaper than The Woodlands.
$1,539/mo
↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo
↑ 16%
$64,440/yr
↓ 54%
Median Income
$141,353/yr
↑ 119%
$326,100
↓ 32%
Home Value
$479,400
↑ 47%
$1,411/mo
↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo
↑ 42%
117,075
Population
116,916
Tax Comparison
0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income
Detailed Comparison
When comparing Clearwater, FL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are
105 and 139 respectively
(national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $3,036/year.
Median household income is $76,913/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100
compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clearwater vs The Woodlands — common questions
Is Clearwater or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $76,913/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Clearwater or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.