Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Richmond is 7% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,314/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 17%
$62,671/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 3%
$328,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$326,100 ≈ Same
$1,374/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 3%
227,595
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $1,769/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Richmond or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Clearwater?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Clearwater?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $1,769/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Clearwater

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville