Median rent is 16% lower in Philadelphia ($1,397/mo vs $1,658/mo). Buying is cheaper in Philadelphia, where the median home runs $243,100 versus $361,300. Households earn more in Clearwater ($66,381 vs $61,953 a year). Taken together, Philadelphia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 102.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Clearwater, FL.
City A
Clearwater, FL
City B
Philadelphia, PA
How much would you need to earn in Philadelphia, PA to maintain your standard of living from Clearwater, FL?
Equivalent salary in Philadelphia, PA
$74,919
You could earn $81 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
Clearwater
Florida
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
👥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 Philadelphia at $1,397/mo compared to $1,658/mo in Clearwater (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Clearwater: the median home is $361,300 versus $243,100 in Philadelphia — 33% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Clearwater
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Philadelphia
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Philadelphia (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Clearwater.
Pick Clearwater if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,381/yr).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,397/mo median).
Is Clearwater cheaper than Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Philadelphia.
How much is rent in Clearwater vs Philadelphia?
Median rent is $1,658/mo in Clearwater, FL and $1,397/mo in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Clearwater or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $66,381 in Clearwater, FL and $61,953 in Philadelphia, PA. Clearwater, FL 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 Philadelphia?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match my Clearwater income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Clearwater, FL is equivalent to roughly $99,893 in Philadelphia, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
