Is Clearwater Florida Expensive To Live?

No Clearwater Florida is not expensive, at least compared to other Gulf Coast towns or the rest of Florida's Tampa Bay area. Saint Petersburg is another highly sought after city and is very similar in price. If you venture onto the barrier island of Clearwater Beach the average daily cost of living index is slightly higher.

Clearwater FL | Clearwater Beach FL

Clearwater Cost Of Living Is About The Same As Most Affordable Cities

The national average for housing expenses is about the same in Clearwater FL with the exception of homeowner's insurance. Electric bills & utility prices have certainly gone up recently but that is not isolated to Florida or the Tampa Bay area.

Many people to the north use electric for heat in the summer, we who are living in Clearwater use electric for cooling in the winter. During the warmest month last year my electric bill was over $500 but well worth it to live comfortably.

Pinellas County Transportation Expenses & Gas Prices

The county does have a 1% additional gas tax. It is set to expire in 2029 (believe it when you see it) but Florida does have a fairly high state gas tax of $0.26325 per gallon where Georgia's I believe is still zero. In Clearwater public transportation options include the Jolley Trolley, The Suncoast Beach Trolley, Downtown Looper, Central Avenue Looper ( downtown Clearwater) and several more. Try the Clearwater Ferry for some variety.

Job Market Hourly Wage & Grocery Prices In Clearwater FL

Florida has a minimum wage of $12 per hour and it is scheduled to increase yearly by $1 for the next two years. The job market is fair and benefits from remote workers, the tourist industry and of course being beside Tampa FL. Grocery prices are comparable to most of Pinellas County unless you venture onto St Pete or Clearwater Beach. Health care is also a little more challenging on the barrier islands.

Average Hotel Price For A Family Vacation?

You can stay in a decent hotel for around $150 as of the day I am writing this. Obviously in the summer months those prices get higher and so does the price in a few of the local restaurants. Unlike a stay in or near Walt Disney World here you will be swimming, fishing visiting the parks or the white sands at the beaches.

There are tons of outdoor activities here much cheaper cost than a Disney experience for the whole family. Contact us if you are contemplating leaving your current city and living in Clearwater FL.