Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Clearwater?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clearwater, you need to earn at least $41,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,991, which means the typical resident is $11,191 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,403

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$732	$2,440	$29,280	$-23,711
1 Bedroom	$867	$2,890	$34,680	$-18,311
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,045	$3,483	$41,800	$-11,191
3 Bedroom	$1,275	$4,250	$51,000	$-1,991
4 Bedroom	$1,568	$5,227	$62,720	+$9,729

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Clearwater's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,991

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$11,191

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Clearwater

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Clearwater's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,325

Studio

$732/mo

1 BR

$867/mo

2 BR

$1,045/mo

3 BR

$1,275/mo

4 BR

$1,568/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Clearwater.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Clearwater's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Clearwater

Living in Clearwater is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $11,191 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Clearwater typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Clearwater, a studio at $732/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,275/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $51,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $62,700 would position you well — though many residents in Clearwater manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Clearwater, South Carolina.

With a total population of 3,403, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,665 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,800 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

1,665

Active civilian employees in Clearwater

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clearwater

What salary do I need to live in Clearwater, South Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clearwater under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,800. The median household income in Clearwater is $52,991.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Clearwater on $52,991?

The affordability verdict for Clearwater is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.7%, meaning median earners have a $11,191 surplus.

What is the average rent in Clearwater compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Clearwater is $867/month. With a median household income of $52,991, residents spend approximately 23.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Clearwater?

A studio in Clearwater rents for approximately $732/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,280 to afford this.

Is Clearwater considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $11,191 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Clearwater is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,800 to the local median household income.

How Clearwater Compares

Other cities in South Carolina with salary requirements