Median rent is 18% lower in Clearwater ($1,539/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Clearwater, where the median home runs $326,100 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $64,440 a year). Taken together, Clearwater is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.9 against 113.3 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Clearwater is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.9 in Clearwater vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Clearwater, FL
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Clearwater, FL?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$85,104
You'd need $10,104 more (13% higher).
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
Clearwater
Florida
Los Angeles
California
👥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 $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $326,100 in Clearwater — 63% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Clearwater a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 7.25% in California; Clearwater has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Clearwater
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Clearwater.
Pick Clearwater if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 99.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Clearwater if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,539/mo median).
Pick Clearwater if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Clearwater cheaper than Los Angeles?
Clearwater is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Clearwater.
How much is rent in Clearwater vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,539/mo in Clearwater, FL and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Clearwater, FL has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Clearwater or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater, FL and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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 — Clearwater or Los Angeles?
Florida has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Clearwater income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Clearwater, FL is equivalent to roughly $113,471 in Los Angeles, CA (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