Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

New York is 58% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,779/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 13%
$79,713/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 19%
$751,700 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 57%
$1,837/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 23%
8,516,202
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $15,273/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Clearwater — common questions

Is New York or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Clearwater?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Clearwater?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $15,273/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Florida?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New York and Clearwater

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