Travel Budget for Clearwater Visit Clearwater on a Budget or Travel in Style

Clearwater, Florida, United States of America

Clearwater is an adventure-filled coastal city known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or relaxing on the beaches, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Clearwater, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Clearwater?

You should plan to spend around $343 per day on your vacation in Clearwater. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $79 on meals
  • $221 on local transportation
  • $281 on hotels

A one week trip to Clearwater for two people costs, on average, $4,802. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $343
  • One Week Per person
    $2,401
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,802
  • One Month Per person
    $10,290
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,802
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $9,604
  • One Month For a couple
    $20,580
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Clearwater cost?

A one week trip to Clearwater usually costs around $2,401 for one person and $4,802 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Clearwater on average costs around $4,802 for one person and $9,604 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Clearwater will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Clearwater on average costs around $10,290 for one person and $20,580 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Clearwater expensive to visit?

Clearwater is a popular coastal city that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

While Clearwater can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach.

On average, budget travelers spend $230 per day, mid-range travelers spend $343 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $601 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Clearwater.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Clearwater is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Napa Valley or Maui.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Clearwater Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Clearwater?

The average Clearwater trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Clearwater travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Clearwater cost?

Clearwater on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$141 $141 $141
Local Transportation 1 $86 $221 $580
Food 2 $34 $79 $158

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Clearwater with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

The Truth on Budget Travel

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $230 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

While food is a highlight for many in Clearwater, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Visitors to Clearwater typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $343 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $601 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the coastal city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport - Departure Private Transfer - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Clearwater

Clearwater has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $278 in the off-season and averages $519 during peak winter or spring season. Overall, you can expect prices from $133 to $1,062. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Clearwater for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $281. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $141 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $141
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $281

Hotels in Clearwater

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Clearwater

The average hotel room price in Clearwater based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $278 in the low season and $519 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Clearwater include:

  • Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key starting at $290
  • Belleview Inn starting at $249
  • Residence Inn Clearwater Downtown starting at $177
  • Courtyard St Petersburg Clearwater starting at $188
  • Shephard's Live Entertainment Resort starting at $243
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Clearwater

In a family-friendly place like Clearwater, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children.

This coastal city has a variety of resorts to explore. You might find one that includes meals, or at least breakfast, and many come with onsite dining options.

Many visitors spend up to a week in Clearwater. If you're staying for an extended period of time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option that would allow you to prepare your own meals.

Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in winter or spring) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Clearwater

Clearwater does not has a good public transit system. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

If you stick to certain areas, Clearwater is fairly walkable, making it convenient to see the sights. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $221 per person, per day, on local transportation in Clearwater. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Clearwater is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $221

Transportation Tips

When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer for $62 details
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer for $62 details
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach for $65 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Clearwater
How much does it cost to go to Clearwater? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Clearwater
The price of renting a car in Clearwater will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Clearwater

The food in Clearwater is terrific, and you should make sure to take time to taste all of the local flavors. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Clearwater can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Clearwater is $79 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $79

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Clearwater is around $79 ($79) per person, with previous travelers spending from $34 to $158. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Clearwater are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $24
  • Lunch: $12 to $32
  • Dinner: $24 to $55
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

The most popular activities for visitors are definitely beachside. Things like sunbathing, swimming, scuba and snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, tubing, water skiing, kayak and canoe rentals, deep-sea fishing, dolphin cruises, and more will occupy much of a day by the shore. Beyond this, visitors often enjoy the restaurants and shops along the boardwalk, or arrange just about any kind of boat tour you can imagine for a day out on the gulf.

Interestingly enough, ice skating is also common for those looking to escape the summer heat. There are two well-known rinks in Clearwater - Sunblades Center and a rink in Westfield Countryside Mall.

Food & Dining Tips

When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Clearwater

  • Expect to see increased prices and more visitors during peak season in winter or spring. To save money and avoid the throngs of tourists, try scheduling your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • As Clearwater is large, you can usually find a variety of price ranges for everything including hotels, food, and activities. You can save money by shopping around, booking ahead, and taking advantage of free things to do.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Many visitors come for the amazing scuba diving around Clearwater. This can get expensive and there's not much wiggle room to help you save money. Dive trips, equipment rentals, and boating excursions might be a major part of your trip's budget. Also, double check your travel insurance to make sure it covers everything, including accidents or weather cancellations.
  • There aren't many public transportation options in Clearwater. Renting a car or organizing a form of transport, like a tour, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • Clearwater isn't exactly a hotspot for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm to save money, you might want to adjust your plans. Instead, find a cheap hotel or apartment rental.
Traveling in Clearwater
Clearwater Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.



Neighborhoods & Around

Most of the hustle and bustle of Clearwater is centered on its famous beach. The palm-lined Beach Walk Promenade, Clearwater Marina, and Pier 60 are always lively, while you will find a quieter patch of beach on the serene shores of Sand Key Park. For good eats and entertainment, establishments such as Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar, and Grill and Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar often feature live music and dancing in the evenings. As far as shopping goes in Clearwater Beach, the Shoppes on Sand Key and the SurfStyle store on Beach Walk have some of the best options. There is even an annual festival called the Clearwater Beach Uncorked Food & Wine Festival, which is one of the area's most anticipated foodie events on the beach. The best option for getting to the beach area is to use the free parking in downtown Clearwater and hop on the Clearwater Ferry to avoid traffic.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.