Moving from Cape Coral, FL to Clearwater, FL
Relocating between Cape Coral, FL and Clearwater, FL is a 131 mi drive β 2h 43m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
131 mi Β· 2h 43m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, US 19, I 275 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Tampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cape Coral | Clearwater | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.349 | 100.89 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.901 | 88.525 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 95.47 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.113 | 125.839 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Cape Coral to Clearwater β $338,302 vs $339,488 (2026-03).
YoY change: Cape Coral -8.4%, Clearwater -5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cape Coral | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.4" | 53.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT MYERS PAGE FLD AP, FL US, ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cape Coral | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,387 | 117,075 |
| Median household income | $76,062 | $64,440 |
| Median age | 48.7 | 46.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.4% lower in Clearwater than Cape Coral.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clearwater MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 201,260 | $41,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 145,340 | $36,560 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 135,010 | $30,310 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,660 | $36,330 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 111,490 | $75,840 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Clearwater average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Clearwater averages 53.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Clearwater compare to Cape Coral?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA vs $43,330 in the Cape Coral MSA, on total employment of 1,412,840 and 290,450 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Clearwater, FL from Cape Coral, FL?
The driving distance is 131 mi and the route typically takes 2h 43m via I 75 and US 19. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cape Coral to Clearwater?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 131 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cape Coral vs Clearwater?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,440 in Clearwater vs $76,062 in Cape Coral β a 15.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Clearwater more expensive than Cape Coral?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clearwater is 1.4% lower than Cape Coral (100.89 vs 102.349, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Clearwater compared to Cape Coral?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,488 in Clearwater vs $338,302 in Cape Coral β a 0.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cape Coral.
City profiles: Cape Coral, FL Β· Clearwater, FL.