Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Waco, TX (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Waco

Texas
72

St. Petersburg is 47% more expensive than Waco.

$1,542/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 29%
$73,118/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 30%
$331,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 40%
$1,435/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 24%
260,646
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $21,650/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Waco — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Waco?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Waco?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $21,650/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Waco

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 Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange