Median rent is 20% lower in St. Petersburg ($1,542/mo vs $1,924/mo). Buying is cheaper in St. Petersburg, where the median home runs $331,500 versus $982,600. Households earn more in Boulder ($85,364 vs $73,118 a year). Taken together, St. Petersburg is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.9 against 99.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boulder, CO.
City A
Boulder, CO
City B
St. Petersburg, FL
How much would you need to earn in St. Petersburg, FL to maintain your standard of living from Boulder, CO?
Equivalent salary in St. Petersburg, FL
$74,938
You could earn $62 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boulder
Colorado
St. Petersburg
Florida
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in St. Petersburg at $1,542/mo compared to $1,924/mo in Boulder (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Boulder: the median home is $982,600 versus $331,500 in St. Petersburg — 66% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Colorado tops out at 4.40% — giving St. Petersburg a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 2.90% in Colorado and 6.00% in Florida; Boulder has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boulder
Income tax: 4.40%
Sales tax: 2.90%
St. Petersburg
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for St. Petersburg (avg AQI 53.0) but not yet for Boulder.
Pick Boulder if you prioritize higher median household income ($85,364/yr).
Pick St. Petersburg if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,542/mo median).
Pick St. Petersburg if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Boulder cheaper than St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.9 versus 99.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in St. Petersburg.
How much is rent in Boulder vs St. Petersburg?
Median rent is $1,924/mo in Boulder, CO and $1,542/mo in St. Petersburg, FL. St. Petersburg, FL has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Boulder or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $85,364 in Boulder, CO and $73,118 in St. Petersburg, FL. Boulder, CO has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Boulder or St. Petersburg?
Florida has no state income tax. Colorado has a top rate of 4.40%.
What salary do I need in St. Petersburg to match my Boulder income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boulder, CO is equivalent to roughly $99,917 in St. Petersburg, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology