Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Lakewood is 34% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,746/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 12%
$85,789/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 25%
$548,200 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 41%
$1,729/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 18%
156,309
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $21,349/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Lakewood or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Clearwater?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Clearwater?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $21,349/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Clearwater details →

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