Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Fresno is 5% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,324/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 16%
$66,804/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 9%
$348,500 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 5%
$1,391/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 3%
543,615
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $6,314/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Fresno or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $6,314/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View St. Petersburg details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and St. Petersburg

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake