Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Detroit is 50% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,034/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 49%
$39,575/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 63%
$76,800 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 325%
$868/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 63%
636,644
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $24,865/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Detroit or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Clearwater?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Clearwater?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $24,865/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Florida?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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