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

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

St. Petersburg is 43% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,542/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 28%
$73,118/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 30%
$331,500 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 35%
$1,435/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 25%
260,646
Population
193,721

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
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $22,124/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Knoxville — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Knoxville?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Knoxville?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $22,124/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 Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

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