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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Long Beach is 61% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,803/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 15%
$83,969/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 23%
$762,200 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 57%
$1,890/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 25%
458,491
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $19,529/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Long Beach or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Clearwater?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Clearwater?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $19,529/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Clearwater details →

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