Moving from Clearwater, FL to West Palm Beach, FL
The 223 mi from Clearwater to West Palm Beach translate to about 4h 40m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
223 mi Β· 4h 40m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | FL 60, I 4, FL 570 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Port St Lucie, Palm Bay, Lakeland, Tampa, St Petersburg |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | West Palm Beach | 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 cost of living in West Palm Beach is 13.1% higher than Clearwater, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in West Palm Beach is 13.1% above Clearwater ($399,471 vs $339,488 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, West Palm Beach -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 58Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 61.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Clearwater (73.9Β°F) and West Palm Beach (75.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 119,508 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $69,261 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 23.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.37 |
Income steps up 13.1%: $64,440 in Clearwater vs $69,261 in West Palm Beach.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Palm Beach 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Palm Beach 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: West Palm Beach averages 61.7 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 West Palm Beach compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the West Palm Beach 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.
How much do homes cost in West Palm Beach compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $399,471 in West Palm Beach vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 17.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs West Palm Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,261 in West Palm Beach vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 7.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to West Palm Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 223 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is West Palm Beach more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Palm Beach 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 far is West Palm Beach, FL from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 223 mi and the route typically takes 4h 40m via FL 60 and I 4. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· West Palm Beach, FL.