Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

St. Petersburg is 36% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,542/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 24%
$73,118/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 47%
$331,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 114%
$1,435/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 27%
260,646
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $34,254/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Scottsdale?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $34,254/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Arizona?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Scottsdale

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 Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk