Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Seattle is 87% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,998/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 23%
$121,984/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 47%
$912,100 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 64%
$2,220/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 36%
741,440
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $57,544/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Seattle or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Clearwater?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Clearwater?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $57,544/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Clearwater

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