Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Phoenix is 3% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,458/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 6%
$77,041/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 5%
$381,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 13%
$1,430/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ≈ Same
1,624,832
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $3,923/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $3,923/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View St. Petersburg details →

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