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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Miami is 23% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,657/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 7%
$59,390/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 9%
$475,200 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 31%
$1,666/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 15%
446,663
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $5,050/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Miami or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Clearwater?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Clearwater?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $5,050/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Miami or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Clearwater details →

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