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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Modesto is 14% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,609/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 4%
$77,899/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 17%
$415,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 22%
$1,613/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 13%
218,614
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $13,459/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Modesto or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Clearwater?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Clearwater?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $13,459/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Clearwater

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville