Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

St. Petersburg is 56% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,542/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 39%
$73,118/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 25%
$331,500 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 34%
$1,435/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 32%
260,646
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $596/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $7,152/year.

Median household income is $17,942/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Las Cruces?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $596/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $17,942/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New Mexico?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Las Cruces

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 Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria