Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Phoenix is 4% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,458/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 6%
$77,041/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 16%
$381,900 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 15%
$1,430/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 1%
1,624,832
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $12,601/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Phoenix or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Clearwater?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Clearwater?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $12,601/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Clearwater details →

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