Cost of Living in Clearwater, FL

With a cost of living index of 109, Clearwater, FL is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 9% more expensive than the national average and in line with the Florida state average. As a major city with a population of 117,075, Clearwater offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Clearwater's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,539 (17% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $326,100 (7% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Clearwater is $64,440, which is 14% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 29% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Everyday prices in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.