Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? St Petersburg, Florida, is a beautiful coastal city located on the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its warm weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant arts scene. If you are considering moving to St Petersburg, one of the factors you may be wondering about is the cost of living. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of living in St Petersburg, Florida, to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Housing Costs
One of the biggest expenses for most people is housing. In St. Petersburg, the cost of housing varies depending on the neighborhood you choose. Downtown St. Petersburg is the most expensive area, with average home prices around $400,000. Other popular neighborhoods, such as Old Northeast and Snell Isle, also have higher-than-average home prices.
However, there are several more affordable neighborhoods in St. Petersburg. For example, Kenwood and Grand Central District offer a mix of historic homes and modern apartments at more affordable prices. You can find homes in these neighborhoods for around $200,000 to $300,000.
According to Zillow, the median home value in St. Petersburg is $312,000, which is slightly higher than the national average of $295,000. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in St. Petersburg is lower than in other major Florida cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Rental prices in St. Petersburg are also reasonable compared to other major cities. According to RentCafe, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Petersburg is $1,290 per month, while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,700 per month. These prices are lower than the average rents in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Transportation Costs
St. Petersburg is a walkable city, with many amenities within walking distance of residential areas. However, if you need to drive, the cost of gasoline in St. Petersburg is slightly higher than the national average. As of May 2023, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in St. Petersburg is $3.08, compared to the national average of $2.98.
If you prefer to use public transportation, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas. A one-way fare on a regular bus is $2.25, while a one-way fare on an express bus is $3.00. PSTA also offers discounted fares for seniors, students, and people with disabilities.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Food Costs
The cost of food in St. Petersburg is similar to other major cities in Florida. According to Numbeo, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in St. Petersburg is $15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $70.
If you prefer to cook at home, the cost of groceries in St. Petersburg is about average. According to Numbeo, the average cost of a gallon of milk is $3.47, a loaf of bread is $2.97, and a dozen eggs is $2.32.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Utility Costs
The cost of utilities in St. Petersburg is slightly higher than the national average. According to Numbeo, the average monthly utility bill for a 915 square-foot apartment in St. Petersburg is around $135. This includes electricity, heating, water, and garbage services. It’s important to
note that utility costs can vary depending on the size of your home, your usage habits, and the time of year.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Healthcare Costs
The cost of healthcare in St. Petersburg is similar to other major cities in the United States. According to Numbeo, the cost of a doctor’s visit in St. Petersburg is around $100, while a month of health insurance for an individual costs around $400.
It’s important to note that healthcare costs can vary widely depending on your age, health status, and insurance coverage. If you have specific healthcare needs, it’s a good idea to research healthcare providers and insurance options in the St. Petersburg area before you move.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Entertainment Costs
St. Petersburg is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with many museums, galleries, and theaters located throughout the city. The cost of entertainment in St. Petersburg varies widely depending on your interests, but there are many free and low-cost options available.
For example, the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg offers free admission on Thursdays after 5 pm, while the St. Petersburg Museum of History offers free admission to Florida residents on the first Sunday of every month. There are also many free outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year.
If you prefer to go out for a night on the town, there are many restaurants, bars, and clubs located throughout St. Petersburg. The cost of a night out can vary widely depending on where you go, but there are many affordable options available.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Overall Cost of Living
Based on the above factors, the cost of living in St. Petersburg is slightly higher than the national average. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in St. Petersburg is lower than in other major Florida cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
If you are considering moving to St. Petersburg, it’s important to take into account your own personal budget and lifestyle. While some neighborhoods and amenities may be more expensive than others, there are many affordable options available in St. Petersburg.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the overall quality of life in St. Petersburg. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and warm weather, St. Petersburg is a great place to live for those who enjoy an active and outdoorsy lifestyle.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of living in St. Petersburg, Florida, is slightly higher than the national average, but lower than in other major Florida cities. Housing costs can vary widely depending on the neighborhood you choose, but there are many affordable options available.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transportation and walkable neighborhoods making it easy to get around. Food costs are similar to other major cities, while utility and healthcare costs are slightly higher than the national average.
Overall, St. Petersburg offers a great quality of life for those who enjoy an active and outdoorsy lifestyle. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and warm weather, it’s no wonder that St. Petersburg is a popular destination for tourists and a great place to call home.
But what about Energy Costs?
Thank you for your suggestion. The weather is definitely an important factor to consider when discussing the cost of living in St. Petersburg. Here is some additional information about how the weather can impact the cost of living in St. Petersburg:
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Energy Costs
St. Petersburg is known for its warm and sunny weather, which can lead to higher energy costs for air conditioning during the summer months. According to Numbeo, the average cost of electricity in St. Petersburg is around $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, which is slightly higher than the national average of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour.
It’s important to note that energy costs can vary widely depending on the size of your home, your usage habits, and the time of year. However, if you are moving to St. Petersburg from a cooler climate, it’s important to budget for higher energy costs during the summer months.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Outdoor Recreation Costs
St. Petersburg’s warm weather also makes it a great place for outdoor recreation, with many parks, beaches, and nature trails located throughout the city. However, some outdoor activities can come with additional costs.
For example, if you enjoy boating or fishing, you may need to purchase or rent a boat and pay for fuel and maintenance costs. If you enjoy playing golf, you may need to pay greens fees and purchase or rent golf clubs.
It’s important to note that there are also many free and low-cost outdoor recreation options available in St. Petersburg, such as walking or biking on the Pinellas Trail or visiting one of the many free public parks and beaches.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Home Maintenance Costs
St. Petersburg’s warm and humid climate can also impact home maintenance costs. Homes in St. Petersburg may be more susceptible to mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues, which can lead to higher maintenance costs.
Additionally, homes in St. Petersburg may require more frequent exterior maintenance, such as pressure washing or repainting, due to the effects of salt air and sun exposure.
It’s important to factor in these additional maintenance costs when budgeting for the cost of living in St. Petersburg.
Is it Expensive to Live in St Petersburg FL? Conclusion
In conclusion, the weather in St. Petersburg can impact the cost of living in several ways, including higher energy costs, additional outdoor recreation costs, and higher home maintenance costs. However, with its warm and sunny weather, St. Petersburg offers a great quality of life for those who enjoy outdoor recreation and an active lifestyle. It’s important to factor in these additional costs when budgeting for the cost of living in St. Petersburg, but overall, the city offers many affordable options for those looking to call it home.
To begin the process of buying a home in St Petersburg, call 727-262-7920 or click our website.
