Cost of Living in Clearwater, FL (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $1,394/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $66,381
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 103.4 (above national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $136/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 25% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $402
- Monthly surplus
- $1,818
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $3,760
- Comfortable budget
- $2,632
Clearwater, FL vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $66,381 | -15% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $361,300 | +6% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,394 | +7% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,761 | +20% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 98.1 | -2% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $136 | -34% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Clearwater
Rent here is moderately above the national average — a one-bedroom averages $1,394, about 7% more than the U.S. median of $1,300. The median household income here is $66,381, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 25% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $361,300 is about 5.4× median income — well above the 3× rule of thumb, making ownership a stretch on a typical local salary. Utilities are relatively low at about $136/month — 34% below the national average of $205. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Clearwater?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Clearwater, FL — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/clearwater-fl
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.