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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Ontario is 45% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,916/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 20%
$82,806/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 22%
$568,000 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 43%
$1,967/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 28%
178,347
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $18,366/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Ontario or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Clearwater?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Clearwater?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $18,366/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Clearwater

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville