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

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Orlando is 10% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,650/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 7%
$69,268/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 7%
$359,000 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 9%
$1,621/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 13%
311,732
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $4,828/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Orlando or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Clearwater?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Clearwater?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $4,828/year higher in Orlando.
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 Orlando or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Clearwater details →

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