Median rent is 0% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $1,781/mo). Buying is cheaper in Port St. Lucie, where the median home runs $327,700 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $78,137 a year). Taken together, Port St. Lucie is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 113.0 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Port St. Lucie, FL.
Quick verdict
Port St. Lucie is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Port St. Lucie vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Port St. Lucie, FL
How much would you need to earn in Port St. Lucie, FL to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Port St. Lucie, FL
$63,001
You could earn $11,999 less (16% 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
New York
New York
Port St. Lucie
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,779/mo in New York and $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $327,700 in Port St. Lucie — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Port St. Lucie a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.00% in Florida; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Port St. Lucie
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Port St. Lucie has cleaner air on average: 22.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 113.0).
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 22.0).
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is New York cheaper than Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Port St. Lucie.
How much is rent in New York vs Port St. Lucie?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie, FL. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie, FL. New York, NY 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?
Port St. Lucie, FL has better air quality on average: 22.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New York or Port St. Lucie?
Florida has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Port St. Lucie to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $84,002 in Port St. Lucie, 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