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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $464/month more in St. Petersburg, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in St. Petersburg, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area
Overall Cost
6.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$464
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$5.6K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$399K

St. Petersburg, FL

Population:264K
Cost Index:
106
(6% above avg)
Median Home:$333K

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Major banking center
  • NASCAR headquarters
  • Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

St. Petersburg, FL

The Sunshine State

264K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 264K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charlotte, NC vs St. Petersburg, FL

Housing
9.5%
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
St. Petersburg, FL
$2,703
Difference
$234
more
Other
5.9%
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
St. Petersburg, FL
$1,808
Difference
$100
more
Transportation
6.8%
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
St. Petersburg, FL
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
Healthcare
10.7%
Charlotte, NC
$638
St. Petersburg, FL
$570
Difference
$68.15
less
All Utilities
10.5%
Charlotte, NC
$519
St. Petersburg, FL
$574
Difference
$54.64
more
Groceries
3.0%
Charlotte, NC
$989
St. Petersburg, FL
$1,019
Difference
$29.98
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,630
To$1,640
$10.00
1 Bed
From$1,710
To$1,750
$40.00
2 Bed
From$1,870
To$2,040
$170
3 Bed
From$2,300
To$2,610
$310
Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340$2,310/mo

St. Petersburg, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,420$2,500/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$7,958
Monthly in St. Petersburg, FL
$433
Difference

Home Values

Charlotte
St. Petersburg
$399K
Median Value
$333K
↓ -1.1%
YoY Change
↓ -7.3%
↑ +40.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +29%
$293K - $1.57M
Price Range
$162K - $712K

Homes in St. Petersburg are 16% less expensive than Charlotte

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$7.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$594
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.7%
Rate difference

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

St. Petersburg, FL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Florida State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

St. Petersburg, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Charlotte
St. Petersburg
51 Moderate
Air Quality
50 Good
46.2%
Good Air Days
52.5%
97 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.2°F
36 days
Heat Days >95°F
38 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.2°F
36 days
Heat Days >95°F
38 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Florida on TaxTakeHome.com

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