Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Elizabeth is 7% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,463/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 5%
$63,874/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,440/yr ≈ Same
$393,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 17%
$1,543/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 9%
135,887
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $566/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Clearwater?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Clearwater?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $566/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Clearwater

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville