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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Tampa is 7% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,567/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↓ 2%
$71,302/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 3%
$375,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 12%
$1,553/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 8%
393,389
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,816/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Tampa or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $1,816/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 Tampa or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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