City Comparison
Clearwater vs St. Petersburg
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Clearwater scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Clearwater
St. Petersburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Clearwater is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in St. Petersburg.
| Metric | Clearwater | St. Petersburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,799 | -3% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $311 | -44% |
| Transport | $115 | $124 | -7% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $650 | -63% |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $3,334 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 97 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
St. Petersburg offers 16% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, St. Petersburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Clearwater is estimated at
$54,000 vs $94,432 in St. Petersburg.
| Metric | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,000 | $75,192 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $94,432 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,765 idx | 77,518 idx |
| Household Income | $65,400 | $75,192 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Clearwater runs warmer on average — a 73.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Clearwater comes out ahead with 231 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Clearwater sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 73.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 88.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 54.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 231 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Clearwater has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, St. Petersburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
St. Petersburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Clearwater.
From a growth perspective, Clearwater is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Clearwater has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,292 | 263,293 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.62% |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 43.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Clearwater
Advantages
Home to Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States by TripAdvisor.
Abundant sunshine averaging 231 sunny days per year with warm winters averaging a low of 54.1°F.
World-class healthcare access anchored by Morton Plant Hospital and the extensive BayCare Health System.
No state personal income tax in Florida, providing financial relief for residents and retirees.
Vibrant outdoor lifestyle with extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, and park recreation.
Drawbacks
High homeowners insurance rates and vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes along the coast.
Significant seasonal traffic congestion, particularly along routes leading to Clearwater Beach.
Higher-than-average housing and rental costs driven by strong coastal real estate demand.
High reliance on automobile transportation with limited heavy rail public transit options.
Summer heat and humidity can be intense during peak months from June through September.
St. Petersburg
Advantages
Abundant sunshine and a warm climate year-round, with an average of 361 sunny days annually.
Vibrant arts and culture scene, including the world-renowned Dalí Museum and numerous galleries.
Strong economic growth and a favorable business environment, ranking #4 in the U.S. for economic growth among mid-sized cities.
No state income tax, which can significantly reduce the overall tax burden for residents.
Beautiful beaches and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and waterfront activities.
Drawbacks
Higher than average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 619.6 per 100,000 residents.
Housing costs, including median home prices and rental rates, can be a significant financial burden for residents.
High humidity and oppressive summer conditions, with temperatures often feeling uncomfortable from May to October.
Above-average utility costs, particularly for electricity and sewer services, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea levels, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and potential property damage.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Clearwater
#350Florida, USA
59.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$63,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
231/yr
Avg Temp
73.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
76
Business
70
St. Petersburg
#573Florida, USA
46.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,799
Avg Salary
$75,192
Cost Index
97
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.62%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
78
Business
75
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