Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Portland is 31% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,596/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 4%
$88,792/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 27%
$557,600 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 42%
$1,771/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 20%
642,715
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $24,352/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Portland or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Clearwater?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Clearwater?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $24,352/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Florida?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Clearwater details →

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