Performance
Score Breakdown
St. Petersburg
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tampa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to St. Petersburg.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,799 | $1,800 | -0% |
| Groceries | $450 | $552 | -18% |
| Utilities | $311 | $294 | +6% |
| Transport | $124 | $120 | +3% |
| Healthcare | $650 | $250 | +160% |
| Monthly Total | $3,334 | $3,016 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 97 | 100 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
St. Petersburg offers 16% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, St. Petersburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in St. Petersburg is estimated at
$94,432 vs $70,000 in Tampa.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,192 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $94,432 | $70,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 77,518 idx | 65,000 idx |
| Household Income | $75,192 | $84,114 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tampa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, St. Petersburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 31.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 55.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of St. Petersburg.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, St. Petersburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 263,293 | 419,635 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.62% | 1.47% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.00% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
St. Petersburg
Advantages
Abundant sunshine and a warm climate year-round, with an average of 361 sunny days annually.
Vibrant arts and culture scene, including the world-renowned Dalí Museum and numerous galleries.
Strong economic growth and a favorable business environment, ranking #4 in the U.S. for economic growth among mid-sized cities.
No state income tax, which can significantly reduce the overall tax burden for residents.
Beautiful beaches and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and waterfront activities.
Drawbacks
Higher than average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 619.6 per 100,000 residents.
Housing costs, including median home prices and rental rates, can be a significant financial burden for residents.
High humidity and oppressive summer conditions, with temperatures often feeling uncomfortable from May to October.
Above-average utility costs, particularly for electricity and sewer services, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea levels, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and potential property damage.
Tampa
Advantages
Tampa's job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in education, health services, and financial activities.
The city has seen a substantial reduction in total crime (14.8%) and violent crime (8.4%) in 2024.
The median household income in Tampa increased by over 15% between 2023 and 2024.
Tampa offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are generally lower than the Florida state average.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Tampa (444.6 per 100,000) was higher than the national average in 2024.
Housing costs, particularly median home values, have seen a significant increase, making homeownership less accessible for some.
Tampa's population growth rate has slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, with fewer new residents moving to the city.
The city's overall walkability score is moderate, indicating a reliance on cars for many errands.
The unemployment rate in Tampa (4.8% in April 2026) is slightly above the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
St. Petersburg
#63Florida, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,799
Avg Salary
$75,192
Cost Index
97
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.62%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
78
Business
75
Tampa
#26Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
31.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.47%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
75
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