Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Abilene, TX (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

St. Petersburg is 49% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,542/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 28%
$73,118/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 14%
$331,500 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 46%
$1,435/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 22%
260,646
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $10,398/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Abilene — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Abilene?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Abilene?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $10,398/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Abilene

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 Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland