2026 Compare Cities Education:
Clearwater, FL vs Columbia, SC

Change Cities
Highlights
- Columbia spends 47.6% more per student than Clearwater.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 3.3% lower in Columbia than in Clearwater. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Columbia had 0.7% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Clearwater
 Clearwater, FLColumbia, SCUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$17,157$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$10,164  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$9,360$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.89  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock5744573
 Students per Counselor404  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock2.2%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.6.2%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock90.5%88.9%
 Some College Educ.21.1%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock7.7%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.32.1%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock11.7%9.3%
 Professional Degree2.3%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock3.3%1.5%
Reviews for Clearwater    23 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Lived here all my life and it is still an amazing place to call home. Rural is long gone, but there are plentiful places to get away from the glitz and glamour that  More

   |    Reply

Just moved here 2 months ago. My utility bill was $160. Water usage was only $31 but the charge for sewer based on the water usage was $42. I was also charged $17.85  More

   |    Reply

I've resided in Clearwater for 30 odd years (no pun intended). It does have it's good and bad. We are an attractive city wrapped around an amazing piece of waterfront.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Clearwater

Reviews for Columbia    50 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I love living in Columbia! I recently graduated from USC and plan to stay. I read the reviews posted here and it shows that like many cities, your experience will depend  More

   |    Reply

Loved living in Columbia, SC prior to my job transfer. It's the perfect size - plenty to do, but still a laid back place. People are extremely friendly, there are  More

   |    Reply

Columbia is such a unique and underrated place. It has a lot of character and history, and good nature trails. Everything feels accessible (by car) and you can get from  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Columbia


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.