Moving from Lakeland, FL to Clearwater, FL
The 55 mi from Lakeland to Clearwater translate to about 1h 14m 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.
55 mi Β· 1h 14m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 4, FL 60, I 275 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Tampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakeland | Clearwater | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.141 | 100.89 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.883 | 88.525 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 95.47 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.942 | 125.839 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lakeland (97.141) and Clearwater (100.89) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Clearwater at $339,488 is 3.9% above Lakeland at $311,156.
YoY change: Lakeland -2.8%, Clearwater -5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lakeland | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.8" | 53.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAKELAND 2, FL US, ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakeland | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,030 | 117,075 |
| Median household income | $60,947 | $64,440 |
| Median age | 39.9 | 46.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.35 |
Income steps up 3.9%: $60,947 in Lakeland vs $64,440 in Clearwater.
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 far is Clearwater, FL from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance is 55 mi and the route typically takes 1h 14m via I 4 and FL 60. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lakeland vs Clearwater?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,440 in Clearwater vs $60,947 in Lakeland β a 5.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lakeland to Clearwater?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 55 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Clearwater compared to Lakeland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,488 in Clearwater vs $311,156 in Lakeland β a 9.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Clearwater more expensive than Lakeland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clearwater is 3.9% higher than Lakeland (100.89 vs 97.141, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Clearwater compare to Lakeland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA vs $40,780 in the Lakeland MSA, on total employment of 1,412,840 and 256,700 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakeland.
City profiles: Lakeland, FL Β· Clearwater, FL.