Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

St. Petersburg is 31% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,542/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 25%
$73,118/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 17%
$331,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 22%
$1,435/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 23%
260,646
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $12,090/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Chattanooga?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $12,090/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Chattanooga

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 Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene