Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

St. Petersburg is 11% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,542/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 11%
$73,118/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 5%
$331,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 12%
$1,435/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 16%
260,646
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $3,857/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $3,857/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Petersburg details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach

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 West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings