Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Independence, MO (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

St. Petersburg is 58% more expensive than Independence.

$1,542/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 31%
$73,118/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 19%
$331,500 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 50%
$1,435/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 27%
260,646
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $13,638/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Independence — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Independence?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Independence?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $13,638/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Missouri?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Independence

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 Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor