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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Pasadena is 110% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,218/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 31%
$103,778/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 38%
$1,045,000 ↑ 220%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 69%
$2,340/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 40%
136,462
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $39,338/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Pasadena or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Clearwater?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Clearwater?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $39,338/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Clearwater details →

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