Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

St. Petersburg is 56% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,542/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 78%
$73,118/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 73%
$331,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 214%
$1,435/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 84%
260,646
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,200/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $14,400/year.

Median household income is $53,351/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Cambridge — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Cambridge?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,200/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Cambridge?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $53,351/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Massachusetts?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Cambridge details →

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