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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Oakland is 86% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,917/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 20%
$97,369/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 34%
$924,700 ↑ 184%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 65%
$2,164/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 35%
438,072
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $32,929/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Oakland or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Clearwater?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Clearwater?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $32,929/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Clearwater

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