B
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
24%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index St. Petersburg Florida National
Cost of living113102100
Groceries105102100
Health care108104100
Housing12497100
Transportation107103100
Utilities114110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment110104100
Household Items106102100
Education & Childcare111106100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in St. Petersburg, FL

The cost of living in St. Petersburg affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in St. Petersburg is 113, which is 13% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the St. Petersburg cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 23.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in St. Petersburg?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 24 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in St. Petersburg. The results indicated that 46% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 54% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is St. Petersburg Affordable?

Is St. Petersburg affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in St. Petersburg, the median home price is 24.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 21.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with St. Petersburg boasting a median household income of $91,618, 12.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in St. Petersburg?

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In St. Petersburg, the housing index stands at 23.7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In St. Petersburg, healthcare costs are 7.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The St. Petersburg cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in St. Petersburg is 11% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in St. Petersburg is 13% higher than the national average
  • St. Petersburg housing is 24% higher than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around St. Petersburg

See all the best places to live around St. Petersburg

Compare St. Petersburg, FL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in St. Petersburg?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in St. Petersburg?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all St. Petersburg poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$113,654$9,471$2,652$3,410
      Renters$65,577$5,465$1,530$1,968
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in St. Petersburg, FL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In St. Petersburg, homeowners have a median income of $113,654. Using that number, a maximum of $2,652 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $65,577, which means there is a maximum of $1,530 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Florida 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      South Highpoint, FL6,065946.3%
      Lealman, FL22,381972.7%
      West Lealman, FL14,846972.6%
      Largo, FL87,579990.9%
      Memphis, FL10,9491021.6%
      St. Petersburg, FL271,78711312.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fort Wayne, IN274,1889010.5%
      Chula Vista, CA274,61315959.2%
      Laredo, TX268,554937.1%
      Jersey City, NJ268,54614545.0%
      Chandler, AZ266,86312524.9%
      St. Petersburg, FL271,78711312.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.