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

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Downey

California
169

St. Petersburg is 37% cheaper than Downey.

$1,542/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 23%
$73,118/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 20%
$331,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 120%
$1,435/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 39%
260,646
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $14,282/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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 Downey — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Downey?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Downey?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $14,282/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Downey details →

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