Moving from Clearwater, FL to Hollywood, FL
It is a 266 mi drive, roughly 5h 1m, between Clearwater, FL and Hollywood, FL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
266 mi Β· 5h 1m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, US 19, I 275 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Hollywood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.1% above Clearwater β 100.89 β 114.155 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 65.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 152,935 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $65,359 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 41 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.53 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hollywood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
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
- Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 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 Hollywood compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Hollywood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 266 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Hollywood, FL from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 266 mi and the route typically takes 5h 1m via I 75 and US 19. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Hollywood compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 29.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Hollywood more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood is 13.1% higher than Clearwater (114.155 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Hollywood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 1.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Hollywood, FL.