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

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

St. Petersburg is 23% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,542/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 19%
$73,118/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 16%
$331,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 44%
$1,435/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 25%
260,646
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $11,499/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Santa Maria — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Santa Maria?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $11,499/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Santa Maria

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 Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton