Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

St. Petersburg is 74% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,542/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 39%
$73,118/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 10%
$331,500 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 53%
$1,435/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 32%
260,646
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $7,581/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Springfield — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield 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 Springfield?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Springfield?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $7,581/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Springfield

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 Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces