Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Washington is 63% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,900/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 19%
$106,287/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 39%
$724,600 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 55%
$2,103/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 33%
672,079
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $41,847/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Washington or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Clearwater?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Clearwater?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $41,847/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Florida?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Clearwater

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville