Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Springfield is 25% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 38%
$51,339/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 26%
$222,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 46%
$1,276/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 11%
154,751
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $13,101/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Springfield or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Clearwater?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Clearwater?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $13,101/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Clearwater details →

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