Median rent is 2% lower in Clearwater ($1,539/mo vs $1,567/mo). Buying is cheaper in Clearwater, where the median home runs $326,100 versus $375,300. Households earn more in Tampa ($71,302 vs $64,440 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (99.9).
City A
Clearwater, FL
City B
Tampa, FL
How much would you need to earn in Tampa, FL to maintain your standard of living from Clearwater, FL?
Equivalent salary in Tampa, FL
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Tampa
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,539/mo in Clearwater and $1,567/mo in Tampa. Median home values are within 13% of each other: $326,100 in Clearwater and $375,300 in Tampa.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 6.00% in Florida; Tampa has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Clearwater
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Tampa
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Tampa (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for Clearwater.
Pick Tampa if you prioritize higher median household income ($71,302/yr).
Is Clearwater cheaper than Tampa?
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 Clearwater vs Tampa?
Median rent is $1,539/mo in Clearwater, FL and $1,567/mo in Tampa, FL. Clearwater, FL has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Clearwater or Tampa?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater, FL and $71,302 in Tampa, FL. Tampa, 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 Tampa?
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Tampa to match my Clearwater income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Clearwater, FL is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Tampa, 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