Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Philadelphia is 20% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,323/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 17%
$60,698/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 20%
$232,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 43%
$1,233/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 16%
1,582,432
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $12,420/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Philadelphia or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $12,420/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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