Cost of Living: College Station, TX vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

College Station is 13% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,168/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 32%
$51,776/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 24%
$326,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$326,100 ≈ Same
$1,251/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 13%
122,280
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $12,664/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Clearwater — common questions

Is College Station or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Clearwater?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Clearwater?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $12,664/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to College Station or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View College Station details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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