Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

St. Petersburg is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,542/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 55%
$73,118/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 51%
$331,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 218%
$1,435/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 72%
260,646
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $853/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $10,236/year.

Median household income is $36,955/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $853/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $36,955/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria