Cost of Living in Clearwater: A Friendly Guide

Clearwater, Florida, is loved by many. It’s perfect for the young, families, and those looking to retire. This city is on the beautiful Gulf Coast. Living here is less expensive than in other places. Clearwater has a lot to offer. A home costs about 9% less than the country’s average. You’ll also find that keeping your home running costs about 3% less here.

Even though some things cost less, getting groceries might be a bit more. They are about 8% higher here. But the good news is that the median price for a home is $374574. If you prefer to rent, it’s around $1772. That’s right, compared to places like Tampa.

One great thing about living here is the tax situation. Florida doesn’t tax personal income or retirement money, which makes living in Clearwater more affordable.

Prime Location Near the Gulf Coast

Clearwater is a beautiful spot on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It’s known for its white sand and blue waters, which make it great for anyone who loves being close to the beach. The housing market in Clearwater, FL, presents varied opportunities for homebuyers and renters, reflecting a dynamic real estate environment.

Average Home Prices

In Clearwater, home prices vary across different areas. The average price per square foot in the city center is around $285.98, while it’s slightly lower at $258.48 outside of the center. This shows that central locations come at a premium. The Price-to-Income Ratio stands at 3.63, indicating that homes are relatively affordable compared to other cities.

Rental Prices

Renting in Clearwater is slightly more affordable than the national average. Renting a studio costs about $1,286 monthly, while a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,494. A two-bedroom apartment typically costs $1,806, and a three-bedroom for $2,199 or more. Over the past year, rent has decreased slightly by $4 monthly.

Price-to-Rent Ratio

The Price to Rent Ratio in Clearwater is 6.72 in the city center and 8.00 outside of the center. This ratio helps people decide between buying and renting, suggesting that rental investments can be promising, especially in central areas.

No State Tax on Personal Income or Retirement Benefits

Florida is tax-friendly for residents, too. There’s no state income tax. And retirement benefits are tax-free. Also, permanent residents enjoy lower property taxes thanks to the homestead exemption.

Clearwater is a top pick for these financial benefits, as is its beautiful location and affordable living costs. It’s great for those who want to live well on the Gulf without breaking the bank.

Coastal City	Median Home Price
Clearwater, FL	$225,600
Naples, FL	$1.9 million
Sarasota, FL	$436,000
Miami Beach, FL	$550,000

Utilities

In Clearwater, the average electricity rate is 18¢ per kWh, higher than the Florida average of 14.76¢ per kWh and the national average of 17¢ per kWh. Households typically use about 1,627 kWh per month, resulting in an average monthly electric bill of around $298.

Water services in Clearwater are metered and have a base rate that depends on the meter size, starting at $8.05 for an ¾ inch meter. The cost for water usage up to 8,000 gallons is $3.83 per 1,000 gallons and $8.69 per 1,000 gallons for higher usage, encouraging residents to conserve water.

Clearwater’s trash, recycling, and yard waste services are funded through property tax bills rather than monthly payments. Residents enjoy one of the lowest rates in the state for curbside collection, and special pickups for bulky items are available for a fee.

Clearwater has several internet providers that offer competitive services and prices. The average internet speed is about 185.6 Mbps, with starting prices around $74.07 per month. Major cell phone carriers provide good coverage across the city, with various plans to suit different needs, including family and no-contract options.

Food and Groceries

In Clearwater, managing grocery expenses can greatly impact household budgets. On average, Americans spend about $4,000 annually on groceries. Essential items like milk, bread, rice, and eggs are reasonably priced. For example, a gallon of milk costs around $4.04, and a loaf of fresh white bread is about $3.05.

Dining out is another major food expense, with the average American household spending around $3,000 yearly on restaurant meals, fast food, and takeout. Clearwater offers a wide range of dining options, from waterfront dining at Mystic Fish Seafood Grill and Bar to international cuisine at Soul Sicilian Fusion.

Transportation

Clearwater is dedicated to public transportation, offering services like SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, and the Central Avenue Trolley, which provides free rides linking major attractions.

Owning a car in Clearwater comes with various expenses. The average monthly payment for a new car is about $735, while leasing options are around $595 per month. Car ownership costs include fuel, insurance, maintenance, and state fees. Fuel is a significant expense, with regular gas prices averaging $3.45 per gallon at stations like Chevron and 7-Eleven.

Healthcare

Clearwater boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure with several hospitals like Morton Plant Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital. The area’s annual BestPlaces Health Cost Index is 98.5, indicating a slightly lower cost than the US average of 100. Insurance premiums vary, with biweekly premiums for Pinellas County Medical Plans ranging from $13.09 for an employee only to $247.67 for family coverage.

Taxes and Subsidies

Clearwater’s combined sales tax rate is 7%, comprising 6% from the Florida state sales tax and 1% from Pinellas County. This rate is higher than 75% of other localities in Florida but still 0.5% lower than the state’s maximum sales tax.

Property taxes in Clearwater are relatively moderate, with an effective property tax rate of 1.23%. Homeowners typically pay around $2,490 annually in property taxes. Florida’s “Save Our Homes” legislation caps the increase in assessed property values at 3% annually, offering significant savings over time.

Florida is known for its favorable tax policies, including the absence of a state income tax. This lack of state income tax is a significant financial incentive for individuals and businesses considering relocating to Clearwater.

Childcare and Education

Preschool and kindergarten costs can vary widely. Registration and materials fees for K1 to K3 range from $220 for one child to $560 for three children. For VPK/K4 Wraparound Care, there’s an annual fee of $130, plus extra charges for extended care.

School expenses cover a broad spectrum. Pinellas Technical College charges $2.92 per hour for residents and $11.71 for nonresidents in Career Technical Certificate programs. Private schools like CWA have tuition fees from $24,950 for Upper School to $29,450 for Lower School, with additional costs like technology, building, and athletic fees.

Strong Job Market and Employment Opportunities

Clearwater, Florida, has a strong job market. Its low unemployment rate of 3.7% beats the national average of 6.0%. The city has a diverse economy and offers many jobs. You can find work in healthcare, technology, tourism, and finance.

Top Employers in Healthcare, Tech, Tourism, and Finance

Clearwater is a healthcare hub. It is home to BayCare Health System and Linacre Holdings. You can work here as a medical assistant or a respiratory therapist. The city also shines in technology. It boasts companies like KnowBe4 and Cash Management Solutions. They offer jobs in tech and business.

The city’s tourism is top-notch, too. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium and other attractions welcome visitors from worldwide. The financial world is active with Raymond James Financial. You can find careers in banking and investment.

Industry	Top Employers	Average Salary
Healthcare	BayCare Health System, Lincare Holdings	$54,182
Technology	KnowBe4, Cash Management Solutions	$66,821
Tourism	Clearwater Marine Aquarium	$28,044
Finance	Raymond James Financial	$53,359

Job growth in Clearwater is expected to be strong. Clearwater anticipates a 35.94% increase in jobs. This makes Clearwater a great place for career growth. And it also offers a high quality of life.

Severe Weather and Pest Concerns

Due to its coastal location, Clearwater, Florida, experiences severe weather. The city’s subtropical climate and Gulf of Mexico border make it prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, which are most common from June to November. Heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding can occur during these times.

Preparedness is essential for staying safe in Clearwater’s storms. Know your evacuation zone and create an emergency plan. Keep items like non-perishable food, water, batteries, and first-aid kits on hand. These steps are crucial for your safety.

The area’s climate also supports pests like mosquitoes, termites, and bed bugs. But, you can fight these pests with action and help from professional pest control. This effort is vital for a healthy, bug-free home in Clearwater.

Key Facts About Clearwater’s Weather and Pests

Clearwater’s Hurricane Season: June to November
Average Seasonal Temperatures: Highs of 71°F to 90°F, Lows of 53°F to 74°F
Annual Sunshine Days: 237 days
Humidity Levels: Often reach 90% or higher
Common Pests: Mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs
Preventative Measures: Emergency preparedness, professional pest control

In Clearwater, knowing about severe weather and pests is crucial. You protect your home and family by preparing and acting on these issues. This way, Clearwater’s residents can enjoy all the city offers despite its unique challenges.

Limited Public Transit and Traffic

Clearwater, Florida, is a beautiful place by the Gulf Coast. But getting around is challenging. The city doesn’t have many public transit choices, so many people use their own cars. This makes traffic worse, especially during busy times.

The average time it takes to get to work in Clearwater is 24.2 minutes. This is a bit shorter than the national number of 26.4 minutes. However, most people in Clearwater, about 73.7%, drive to work by themselves. Only a small 3.7% use public buses.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is the main way to take a bus in Clearwater. It does offer some good deals for people who find it hard to get around. But the bus system isn’t very big. This means many folks still need to use their cars every day.

Clearwater’s traffic could be better between 4 pm and 6 pm, plus on weekends. When visitors come, it gets even busier. Also, it takes work to walk everywhere in the city. This makes having a car very important for most people.

If you’re thinking about moving to Clearwater, remember this. There aren’t a lot of ways to get around without a car. Even though living here means enjoying the coast, not having good public transit can be tough. It means you’ll have to rely on your car more than you might be used to.

Affordable Cost of Living in Clearwater

Clearwater is located in Florida, by the beautiful Gulf Coast. It is loved for its amazing beaches, lively culture, and good atmosphere for families. Also, living there is not too expensive, especially compared to the national average. This guide will show you why Clearwater is a great, affordable place to live.

Affordable Cost of Living Compared to the National Average

Living in Clearwater is pricier than the U.S. average by 4%. But each cost is different. Let’s look at them individually to see the whole picture:

Housing costs in Clearwater are 17% less expensive than the U.S. average.
Utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, are 2% lower than the national level.
Transportation expenses, such as gas prices, are also 2% below the national average.
Grocery costs in Clearwater tend to be 3% higher than the country as a whole.

The middle home price in Clearwater is about $225,600. Renting costs around $1,167 per month. These prices make Clearwater a more affordable choice than other cities in Florida, like Tampa. Plus, not having a state income tax in Florida helps make living here cheaper for everyone.

Cost of Living Category	Clearwater Index	National Average	Difference
Overall	104	100	4% higher
Housing	122	100	22% higher
Utilities	99	97	2% lower
Transportation	100	99	1% higher
Groceries	100	100	0% difference

Even though Clearwater’s cost of living is above the national average, it is still an affordable and great place to live. The city offers a high quality of life at budget-friendly prices. This makes it an inviting option for anyone looking for a welcoming community.

Population and Demographics

Clearwater, Florida, shines with 117,027 people in 2022, a 7.6% rise since 2000. The city’s 4,438 people per square mile show a lot of action, much more than the country’s average of 91 people per square mile.

The folks in Clearwater are a colorful mix. 65.6% are White, 10.8% Hispanic, and 7.104% Black. There are also two or more races: 3.5%, 2.4% Asian, and 1.2% from another race. Not to forget, 0.09% are from Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander groups. Only 0.07% are American Indian. Moreover, the city has more women than men, with a ratio of 0.9:1.

Clearwater’s median age is 46.1, higher than the U.S. median age of 37.7. Over half are married, and about a third have kids under 18. About 79% of homes use only English, and 11.4% speak only Spanish.

Clearwater has been shrinking a bit each year since the last count. However, it’s still a top pick for the young, families, and those looking to retire. The city’s beach life, growing jobs, and mixed culture keep it trending for quality life seekers in Florida.

Metric	Clearwater, FL	United States
Population	117,027	N/A
Population Density (per sq mi)	4,438	91
Median Age	46.1 years	37.7 years
Married Population (age 15+)	53%	N/A
Families with Children under 18	34%	N/A
Households Speaking English Only	78.8%	N/A
Households Speaking Spanish Only	11.4%	N/A
Foreign-Born Residents	17.8%	N/A

Clearwater’s Weather and Climate

Clearwater, Florida, has a warm, subtropical climate. It means hot summers and cool winters. The temperature usually stays between 55°F and 90°F. But, it can be as low as 44°F or as high as 93°F.

Summers are long and hot. In July, the temperature reaches around 90°F. Winter is cooler, with temperatures around 52°F in January.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain between June and September. The average yearly rainfall is about 51 inches. August is the wettest month, with almost 7 inches of rain. The dry season lasts from October to May. Clearwater is at risk of tropical storms and hurricanes between June and November. People living near the coast need to be ready for these events.

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FAQs

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Clearwater, Florida?

Various factors, such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation, need to be considered to determine a comfortable living salary in Clearwater, Florida. However, specific figures are not provided in the available data.

How much does electricity typically cost per month in Clearwater, Florida?

In Clearwater, FL, the average monthly electricity bill is approximately $278, totaling around $3,336 annually.

Is living in Clearwater, Florida, more affordable than in Tampa, Florida?

Yes, living in Clearwater is slightly more affordable than in Tampa. To maintain the same lifestyle, you would need about $6,770.40 in Tampa compared to $6,600 in Clearwater, considering you rent in both cities. This is based on the Cost of Living Plus Rent Index, which considers net earnings after income tax.