Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Chicago is 6% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,380/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 12%
$75,134/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 3%
$315,200 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 5%
$1,502/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 4%
2,707,648
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $2,016/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Chicago or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $2,016/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.
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More Comparisons

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