Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Denver is 40% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,770/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 13%
$91,681/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 44%
$1,839/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 23%
713,734
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $27,241/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Denver or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Clearwater?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Clearwater?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $27,241/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Clearwater

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville