Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Indianapolis is 30% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,112/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 38%
$62,995/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 2%
$207,000 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 58%
$1,124/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 26%
882,043
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $1,445/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Clearwater?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Clearwater?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $1,445/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Clearwater details →

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