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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Riverside is 37% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,812/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 15%
$88,575/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 27%
$542,100 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 40%
$1,880/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 25%
316,241
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $24,135/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Riverside or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Clearwater?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Clearwater?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $24,135/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Clearwater details →

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