Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida
119
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

West Palm Beach is 13% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,709/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 10%
$69,261/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 7%
$369,800 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 12%
$1,667/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 15%
119,508
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $4,821/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs Clearwater — common questions

Is West Palm Beach or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Clearwater?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Clearwater?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $4,821/year higher in West Palm Beach.
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 West Palm Beach or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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 West Palm Beach details → View Clearwater details →

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