Median rent is 37% lower in Sanford ($965/mo vs $1,542/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sanford, where the median home runs $222,000 versus $331,500. Households earn more in St. Petersburg ($73,118 vs $54,294 a year). Taken together, St. Petersburg is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.9 against 100.5 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in St. Petersburg, FL.
Quick verdict
St. Petersburg is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.9 in St. Petersburg vs 100.5 in Sanford (US average = 100)
City A
Sanford, NC
City B
St. Petersburg, FL
How much would you need to earn in St. Petersburg, FL to maintain your standard of living from Sanford, NC?
Equivalent salary in St. Petersburg, FL
$74,502
You could earn $498 less (1% 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
Sanford
North Carolina
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Sanford — median rent of $965/mo versus $1,542/mo in St. Petersburg, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in St. Petersburg: the median home is $331,500 versus $222,000 in Sanford — 33% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving St. Petersburg a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.00% in Florida; Sanford has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Sanford
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
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 Sanford.
Pick St. Petersburg if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,118/yr).
Pick Sanford if you prioritize cheaper rent ($965/mo median).
Pick St. Petersburg if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Sanford cheaper than St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.9 versus 100.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in St. Petersburg.
How much is rent in Sanford vs St. Petersburg?
Median rent is $965/mo in Sanford, NC and $1,542/mo in St. Petersburg, FL. Sanford, NC has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Sanford or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $54,294 in Sanford, NC and $73,118 in St. Petersburg, FL. St. Petersburg, FL 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 — Sanford or St. Petersburg?
Florida has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in St. Petersburg to match my Sanford income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Sanford, NC is equivalent to roughly $99,335 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