Clearwater, FL vs Lakewood Ranch, FL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Clearwater is 29.5% cheaper than Lakewood Ranch. With a cost index of 109 vs 155, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Clearwater to Lakewood Ranch should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month compared to $2,213/month in Lakewood Ranch — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clearwater is more affordable at $326,100 median vs $626,500.

Median household income in Clearwater is $64,440 compared to $123,471 in Lakewood Ranch (-47.8%). While Lakewood Ranch is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clearwater spend roughly 28.7% of their income on rent, more than the 21.5% in Lakewood Ranch.