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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Tacoma is 20% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,597/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 4%
$83,857/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 23%
$454,600 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 28%
$1,747/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 19%
220,482
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $19,417/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Tacoma or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Clearwater?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Clearwater?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $19,417/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Clearwater details →

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