Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fresno is 4% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,324/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 16%
$66,804/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 6%
$1,391/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 1%
543,615
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $2,364/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fresno or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Clearwater?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $2,364/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Clearwater details →

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