Moving from Orlando, FL to Clearwater, FL
Relocating between Orlando, FL and Clearwater, FL is a 110 mi drive — 2h 20m 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.
110 mi · 2h 20m by car · FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 4, FL 417 TOLL, FL 60 |
| Major cities en route | Lakeland, Tampa, St Petersburg |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Orlando | Clearwater | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.418 | 100.89 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.196 | 88.525 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 95.47 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.374 | 125.839 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 101.418 vs 100.89 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.5% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Orlando -3.5%, Clearwater -5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Orlando | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 50°F | 53°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 51.5" | 53.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Orlando (73.0°F) and Clearwater (73.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ORLANDO INTL AP, FL US, ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Orlando | Clearwater |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 311,732 | 117,075 |
| Median household income | $69,268 | $64,440 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 46.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.5% lower in Clearwater than Orlando.
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 20–30% 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 90°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 — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — 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 household income compare in Orlando vs Clearwater?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,440 in Clearwater vs $69,268 in Orlando — a 7.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Clearwater, FL from Orlando, FL?
The driving distance is 110 mi and the route typically takes 2h 20m via I 4 and FL 417 TOLL. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Clearwater compared to Orlando?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,488 in Clearwater vs $374,136 in Orlando — a 9.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Orlando to Clearwater?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 110 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Clearwater more expensive than Orlando?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clearwater is 0.5% lower than Orlando (100.89 vs 101.418, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Clearwater compare to Orlando?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA vs $43,120 in the Orlando MSA, on total employment of 1,412,840 and 1,366,800 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 Orlando.
City profiles: Orlando, FL · Clearwater, FL.