Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Los Angeles is 78% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,879/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 18%
$80,366/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 20%
$879,500 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 63%
$2,055/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 31%
3,857,897
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $15,926/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Clearwater?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Clearwater?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $15,926/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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