Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Austin is 26% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,655/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↓ 7%
$91,461/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 20%
$512,700 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 35%
$1,747/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 18%
967,862
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $18,343/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $18,343/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View St. Petersburg details →

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