Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Jacksonville is 12% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,375/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 12%
$66,981/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 4%
$266,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 23%
$1,324/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 7%
961,739
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $2,541/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Clearwater?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Clearwater?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $2,541/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Clearwater details →

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