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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Tucson is 28% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,079/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 43%
$54,546/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 34%
$242,200 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 37%
$1,076/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 33%
543,348
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $18,572/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Tucson or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $18,572/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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.
View Tucson details → View St. Petersburg details →

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