Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Rochester, NY (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Rochester

New York
61

St. Petersburg is 74% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,542/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 33%
$73,118/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 36%
$331,500 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 64%
$1,435/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 30%
260,646
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $26,490/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Rochester — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Rochester?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Rochester?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $26,490/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New York?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Rochester details →

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