If moving to Florida is on your mind, you are in luck. The Sunshine State is a popular destination for thousands of people from all over the country who move there yearly. St. Petersburg is one city you should consider settling in.
St. Petersburg is a reputable place to live, thanks to its sunny weather, pristine beaches, and year-round festivals and entertainment. The city has a rich history, dating back to 1892, and is home to many historic buildings and beautiful tree-lined streets. It hosts over 1,000 annual special events and festivals and has renowned museums, award-winning beaches, and the Sunken Gardens.
In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, St. Petersburg has a thriving job market, with a growing number of start-ups and plentiful outdoor activities. This makes it a great place to live for people who want to stay close to the bay and gulf.
If you are considering relocating to St. Petersburg, read this blog post to learn more about the city and whether it is the right choice.
Quick facts before proceeding to St. Petersburg, FL
Where is St. Petersburg, FL, Located?
St. Petersburg, Florida, is on the Pinellas peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, linked to mainland Florida to the north.
At the southern tip of the Pinellas Peninsula, it is southeast of Clearwater and southwest of Tampa, part of a vast metropolitan area.
St. Petersburg is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Population in St. Petersburg, FL
- The population of St. Petersburg, FL, is about 257,290 as of 2023.
- According to Data USA, in 2021, the city had a population of 258,245, with a median age of 42.9.
- The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population at 261,256 as of July 1, 2022.
Diversity in St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg has a diversity score of 93 out of 100. The population breakdown by race and ethnicity includes:
- White: 68.4%
- Black or African American: 13.8%
- Hispanic or Latino: 7.0%
- Asian: 4.2%
- Native American: 0.2%
- Other: 6.4%.
Cost of Living in St. Petersburg, FL
Following is a simple breakdown of some critical elements that make up the city’s cost of living since you are considering moving to St. Petersburg, Florida.
- Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, is slightly cheaper than the national average, with a 2% lower cost of living.
- The cost of living index for St. Petersburg is 102.8, indicating it’s 2.8% higher than the U.S. average.
- The median household income in St. Petersburg from 2018-2022 was $70,333, and the per capita income during the same period was $46,755.
- To live a comfortable life in St. Petersburg, a single adult needs an annual income before taxes of $37,215, and for two working adults with three children, it’s $126,507.
here is a table summarizing the cost of living indexes in St. Petersburg, FL:
| Cost of Living Factor | Value |
| Cost of Living Index (COLI) | 102.8 |
| Housing Index | 11% lower than the US average |
| Grocery Index | 8% higher than the US average |
| Healthcare Index | 98.5 |
| Utilities Index | 3% higher than the US average |
| Median Home Price | $475,000 |
| Median Rent | $1,760/month |
| Recommended Minimum Annual Income for a Family | $66,600 |
How Is the Housing Market in St. Petersburg, FL?
Moving to St. Petersburg means you can be a homeowner, as homes are affordable in the city. But are rental homes an excellent option to pick up? Here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s housing and rental market:
- St. Petersburg, Florida’s housing market is somewhat competitive, with homes getting an average of 3 offers and selling in about 23 days.
- The average home cost in St. Petersburg varies, with reported median sale prices ranging from $374,185 to $475K in recent months.
- The median home value in St. Petersburg is reported to be $289,000.
- The homeownership rate in St. Petersburg is around 62.6%.
- The median list price per square foot in St. Petersburg is $327.
- Approximately 37.4% of the population in St. Petersburg is estimated to rent their homes, based on the homeownership rate.
Average rental price in St. Petersburg, FL
- The average home rental price in St. Petersburg is reported to be $1,251 per month.
- Studio apartment: The prices range between $701-$1,000
- 1-bedroom apartment: The average rent is approximately $1,490
- 2-bedroom apartment: The median rent is roughly $1,665
- 3-bedroom home: The average rent is around $3,598
- 4-bedroom home: The average rent is roughly $2,721
How is the job market in St. Petersburg, FL?
If you are moving to St. Petersburg, FL, you must know that the city exhibits a strong job market with low unemployment rates and optimistic forecasts for job growth. The average salary is relatively high, and the median household income exceeds the national average. Opportunities in critical industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail services are expected for job seekers in the city.
- As of 2023, St. Petersburg, FL, boasts an unemployment rate of 2.90%, lower than the long-term average of 5.49%, signaling a healthy job market.
- Over the past year, the job market in St. Petersburg has grown by 2.3%, and future predictions anticipate a 42.0% job growth over the next decade, surpassing the US average of 33.5%.
- St. Petersburg reports an average salary of around $70,000.
- The average income of a St. Petersburg resident is $28,670 per year, representing a per capita figure that includes all adults and children.
What are the top employers in St. Petersburg, FL
- Jabil
- Raymond James Financial
- HSN (Home Shopping Network)
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Tampa Bay Times
- Cox Target Media
- Goodwill-Suncoast
- St. Petersburg College
- Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
- St Anthony’s Hospital Inc
What are the most common job titles in St. Petersburg, FL
- Civil Engineers
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Social Media Assistant
- Accounting Assistant
- Legal Assistant/Paralegal
- Receptionist
- Quality Associate
Highest paying jobs in St. Petersburg, FL
- CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
- Federal Government Jobs
- Private Chef
- Registered Nurse
- Owner Operator Driver
- Technician
- Travel Nurse
- Sales Associate
- Case Manager – Claims
How safe is it to live in St. Petersburg, FL?
Given that St. Petersburg is one of the biggest cities in Florida, it is natural to inquire about the nature of criminal activity within its boundaries. To address this concern, we have compiled a collection of relevant statistics on crime and public safety within the city. Please review the following information:
- St. Petersburg, Florida, has a crime rate higher than the national average at 32 per one thousand residents, making the chance of being a crime victim one in 31.
- The violent crime rate in St. Petersburg is 6.93 per 1,000 residents, resulting in a one in 144 chance of being a victim. Violent crimes include rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
- Property crime in St. Petersburg happens at a rate of 25 per 1,000 population, leading to a relatively high chance of being a victim compared to other U.S. communities. The property crime rate is 25.46 per 1,000 residents.
- Around 70% of respondents feel pretty safe in St. Petersburg, while 11% feel very safe. However, 16% feel somewhat secure, and 4% regularly do not feel safe.
- Regarding law enforcement, 45% of respondents believe the police are apparent and responsive, while 24% think they are visible but respond slowly when needed.
- The most prevalent crimes in St. Petersburg include 6,832 property crimes, such as robbery or theft, 1,206 burglaries, 746 car thefts, and 27 arsons. For violent crimes, the most common are 1,138 aggravated assaults, followed by robberies, rapes, and homicides.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, FL
Safest Neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, Florida:
- Shore Acres
- Disston Heights
- Allendale
- Downtown
- Snell Isle
- Live Oaks
- Crescent Lake
- Historic Kenwood
- Old Northeast
- Lake Pasadena
How Fast Can You Commute in St. Petersburg, FL?
The average one-way commute in St. Petersburg, FL, is 23.6 minutes, shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes.
List available public transportation in St. Petersburg, FL
Public transportation in St. Petersburg is mainly run by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), providing various services:
- Buses: PSTA manages 41 fixed-route bus routes, including two express routes to downtown Tampa.
- Trolleys: St. Petersburg operates several trolley services, such as the Downtown Looper and the Central Avenue Trolley.
- SunRunner: A new 10.3-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line links St. Petersburg to South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach, with buses every 15 minutes.
- E-scooters and E-bikes: St. Petersburg offers seated and standing e-scooter options and a bike share service with Lime.
- Ferries: The Cross Bay Ferry connects St. Petersburg and Tampa.
How’s the weather in St. Petersburg, FL?
It is essential to become familiar with the weather patterns and climatic conditions of the city throughout the year before relocating to St. Petersburg. So, here it is:
- St. Petersburg, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate with tropical monsoon characteristics, featuring hot summers and mild winters.
- The city experiences four seasons, but they are less distinct than in more temperate climates.
- St. Petersburg generally enjoys sunny weather, with an average of 248 sunny days yearly.
- Rainfall is possible year-round, with a defined rainy season from June to September.
- The city receives about 50.8 inches of rain annually, with the rainiest month being August, averaging 6.4 inches.
- Snowfall in St. Petersburg is infrequent, making the amount of snow negligible.
- July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 90°F.
- January is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of 56°F.
How is the Education in St. Petersburg, FL?
If you have children of school age or are still of school age and are considering moving to St. Petersburg, FL, we have compiled a list of the city’s best schools for your convenience:
- St. Petersburg, FL, has varying school rankings; for example, St. Petersburg High School is 59th in Florida and 920th nationally.
- The overall ranking of schools in St. Petersburg is 3/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
- The cost of education in St. Petersburg varies; for instance, St. Petersburg College charges $2,682 for in-state and $8,513 for out-of-state students.
- Estimated costs for a freshman or sophomore at St. Petersburg College are around $9,358 for tuition/fees, $1,600 for books and supplies, and $15,004 for living expenses.
- The Pinellas County School District, serving St. Petersburg, has 150 schools, including magnets, career academies, adult education centers, and a virtual school program.
- St. Petersburg High School’s student-teacher ratio is 21:1, higher than the Florida average.
Best Middle Schools in St. Petersburg, FL
- Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8
- Plato Of St. Petersburg
- Thurgood Marshall Fundamental
Best Elementary Schools in St. Petersburg, FL
- Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School
- Gulf Beaches Elementary
- Plato Of St. Petersburg
Best High Schools in St. Petersburg, FL
- St. Petersburg Collegiate High School
- St. Petersburg High School
- Northeast High School
Best Universities and Colleges in St. Petersburg, FL
- University of South Florida Main Campus
- The University of Tampa
- Florida Southern College
What are the best things to do in St. Petersburg, FL?
The vibrant city of St. Petersburg boasts many activities and places to explore. Since you’re considering moving to St. Petersburg, here are the best things to do in the city:
- Explore the extensive collection of Salvador Dali’s works at The Dali Museum, the most significant outside of Spain.
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sunken Gardens, a century-old garden featuring tropical plants and wildlife.
- Admire the captivating glass artwork of Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Collection.
- Relax on the pristine white sands of St. Pete Beach, known for its clear waters.
- Discover history and nature at Fort De Soto Park, featuring a historic fort, beautiful beaches, fishing piers, and nature trails.
- Stroll through the Central Arts District, enjoying vibrant murals, galleries, and an artsy atmosphere.
- Experience the new pier district at St. Pete Pier, offering dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.
- Appreciate contemporary glass art at the Duncan McClellan Gallery.
- Try a unique experience with axe throwing at Hatchet Hangout.
- Explore local produce and crafts at the Farmers Market.
- Embark on a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding adventure to explore the waters around St. Petersburg.
- Browse through the shelves of the famous Haslam’s Book Store.
- Experience contemporary glass art exhibits at the Imagine Museum.
- Catch some local sports action at a Tampa Bay Rowdies Soccer game.
Best Neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, FL
Since St. Petersburg is known to be the best retirement community in Florida, here’s a list of the best places to live in St. Petersburg.
- Old Northeast
- Crescent Lake
- Historic Roser Park
- Old Southeast
- Coquina Key
- Downtown St. Petersburg
- Historic Kenwood
- Historic Uptown
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in St. Petersburg, FL?
To determine whether Pensacola is the ideal location for you, one straightforward approach is to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of residing there.
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful beaches | Classic Florida weather (hot and humid) |
| Diversity | Tourists |
| Convenient central location | Lack of nature hikes |
| No state income tax | Heavy traffic |
| Great parks and nature trails | High cost of living |
| Surrounded by water | High crime rates in certain areas |
| Delicious restaurants | Flood insurance can be expensive |
| Celebrates the arts | |
| Great winter weather | |
| Very walkable | |
| Plenty of museums | |
| Fun festivals and music scene | |
| Great downtown nightlife | |
| Thriving job market |
Conclusion
Experience the perfect blend of sun, sand, culture, and affordability in the vibrant city of Saint Petersburg, Florida. Whether you yearn for a waterfront lifestyle, a family-oriented community, or a bustling downtown scene, St. Pete has it all. Are you ready to make Saint Petersburg your new home? Begin planning your move today with a Packing list for Florida and immerse yourself in all the wonders this remarkable city has to offer.