Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Seattle is 85% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,998/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↓ 23%
$121,984/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 40%
$912,100 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 64%
$2,220/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 35%
741,440
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $48,866/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $48,866/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and St. Petersburg

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