Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Atlanta is 15% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,617/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↓ 5%
$81,938/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 11%
$420,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 21%
$1,695/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 15%
499,287
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $8,820/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Atlanta or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $8,820/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View St. Petersburg details →

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