Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Billings, MT (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Billings

Montana
86

St. Petersburg is 23% more expensive than Billings.

$1,542/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 29%
$73,118/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 2%
$331,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 6%
$1,435/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 18%
260,646
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $1,263/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Billings — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Billings?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Billings?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $1,263/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Montana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Billings

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 Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston