Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

St. Petersburg is 45% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,542/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 35%
$73,118/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 34%
$331,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 29%
$1,435/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 28%
260,646
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $24,582/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $24,582/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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