Median rent is 20% lower in Clearwater ($1,539/mo vs $1,924/mo). Buying is cheaper in Clearwater, where the median home runs $326,100 versus $982,600. Households earn more in Boulder ($85,364 vs $64,440 a year). Taken together, Clearwater is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.9 against 99.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boulder, CO.
City A
Boulder, CO
City B
Clearwater, FL
How much would you need to earn in Clearwater, FL to maintain your standard of living from Boulder, CO?
Equivalent salary in Clearwater, FL
$74,938
You could earn $62 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boulder
Colorado
Clearwater
Florida
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Clearwater at $1,539/mo compared to $1,924/mo in Boulder (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Boulder: the median home is $982,600 versus $326,100 in Clearwater — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Colorado tops out at 4.40% — giving Clearwater a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 2.90% in Colorado and 6.00% in Florida; Boulder has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boulder
Income tax: 4.40%
Sales tax: 2.90%
Clearwater
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Boulder if you prioritize higher median household income ($85,364/yr).
Pick Clearwater if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,539/mo median).
Pick Clearwater if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Boulder cheaper than Clearwater?
Clearwater is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.9 versus 99.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Clearwater.
How much is rent in Boulder vs Clearwater?
Median rent is $1,924/mo in Boulder, CO and $1,539/mo in Clearwater, FL. Clearwater, FL has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Boulder or Clearwater?
Median household income is $85,364 in Boulder, CO and $64,440 in Clearwater, FL. Boulder, CO has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Boulder or Clearwater?
Florida has no state income tax. Colorado has a top rate of 4.40%.
What salary do I need in Clearwater to match my Boulder income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boulder, CO is equivalent to roughly $99,917 in Clearwater, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology