Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Columbus is 34% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,072/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 44%
$56,622/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 14%
$182,300 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 79%
$1,064/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 33%
204,383
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $7,818/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Columbus or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Clearwater?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Clearwater?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $7,818/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Clearwater

Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville