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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Columbus is 21% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,224/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 26%
$65,327/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 1%
$234,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 39%
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 14%
906,480
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $887/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% 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 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Clearwater?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Clearwater?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $887/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% 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 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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