Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Philadelphia is 19% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,323/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 16%
$60,698/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 6%
$232,400 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 40%
$1,233/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 14%
1,582,432
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $3,742/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Clearwater?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Clearwater?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $3,742/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Clearwater details →

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