Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Houston is 16% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,313/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 17%
$62,894/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 2%
$253,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 29%
$1,316/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 7%
2,300,419
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $1,546/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Houston or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Clearwater?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Clearwater?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $1,546/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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