Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Raleigh is 4% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,468/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 5%
$82,424/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 11%
$377,800 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 12%
$1,487/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 3%
470,763
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $9,306/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $9,306/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View St. Petersburg details →

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