Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Tempe is 14% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,623/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 5%
$77,643/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 17%
$421,900 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 23%
$1,554/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 9%
186,419
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $13,203/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Tempe or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Clearwater?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Clearwater?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $13,203/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Clearwater details →

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