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

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

St. Petersburg is 16% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,542/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 24%
$73,118/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 28%
$331,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 19%
$1,435/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 11%
260,646
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $20,253/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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 Surprise — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Surprise?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Surprise?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $20,253/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite