Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Tampa is 8% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,567/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 2%
$71,302/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 10%
$375,300 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 13%
$1,553/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 9%
393,389
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,862/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Tampa or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Clearwater?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Clearwater?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $6,862/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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