Performance
Score Breakdown
Orlando
St. Petersburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Orlando is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
26% lower compared to St. Petersburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Orlando's average rent is
18% lower than St. Petersburg's.
| Metric | Orlando | St. Petersburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,479 | $1,799 | -18% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $311 | -42% |
| Transport | $120 | $124 | -3% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $650 | -62% |
| Monthly Total | $2,479 | $3,334 | -26% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 97 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
St. Petersburg offers 14% lower 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 Orlando is estimated at
$55,000 vs $94,432 in St. Petersburg.
| Metric | Orlando | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $75,192 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $94,432 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,657 idx | 77,518 idx |
| Household Income | $72,336 | $75,192 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Orlando | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
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 | Orlando | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 68.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Orlando is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of St. Petersburg.
From a growth perspective, Orlando is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Orlando has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Orlando | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 319,758 | 263,293 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.80% | 0.62% |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 43.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Orlando
Advantages
Leading job growth among major U.S. metros, with significant expansion in diverse sectors like healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Affordable cost of living compared to the national average, with lower housing and utility expenses.
Vibrant entertainment and tourism industry, offering world-class theme parks and attractions.
Mild winters and warm climate conducive to an active outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Diverse and growing population, contributing to a multicultural community and dynamic urban environment.
Drawbacks
Higher than average violent crime rates in some areas, despite recent decreases.
Significant traffic congestion and long commute times, with drivers wasting an average of 68 hours annually in traffic.
High humidity and oppressive heat during long summer months, often exceeding 100°F heat index.
Lower than national average homeownership rate (39.5%), indicating a strong rental market and potential affordability challenges for buyers.
Grocery costs are slightly higher than the national average.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Orlando
#28Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,479
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
99
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.80%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
74
Business
75
St. Petersburg
#72Florida, 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
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