St. Petersburg, Florida
The Sunshine City: arts, culture, and award-winning beaches
St. Petersburg, FL: Quick Facts (Updated August 2026)
What is the median home price in St. Petersburg?
The median home price in St. Petersburg is $410,000 as of August 2026. Downtown condos and beachfront homes command premium prices, but the overall market is more affordable than neighboring Tampa across the bay.
How far is St. Petersburg from the beach?
About 10 to 15 minutes from St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach offer award-winning white sand. Fort De Soto Park, consistently named America's best beach, is a short drive south.
What are property taxes in St. Petersburg?
The average property tax rate in St. Petersburg is ~1.2%. Pinellas County homesteaded rates are approximately 1.1% to 1.4%, still dramatically less than Bergen County. The Homestead Exemption adds further savings.
Is St. Petersburg a good place to live?
St. Petersburg is a major city in Pinellas County with approximately 270,000 residents, which holds the Guinness World Record for consecutive days of sunshine (768), with a walkable downtown, the world-class Dalí Museum, and a vibrant craft beer scene. It has emerged as one of America's most livable cities, combining the cultural amenities of a much larger city with the charm of a beach community.
What is the cost of living in St. Petersburg?
St. Pete has a cost of living index near the national average, offering strong value for a city with its cultural amenities, beaches, and quality of life.
Data sources: Local county property appraiser records, Florida Realtors market data, U.S. Census Bureau estimates, and FEMA flood map data. Figures are approximate and subject to change.
St. Petersburg holds the Guinness World Record for consecutive days of sunshine — 768 days, which tells you everything about the weather. But St. Pete (as locals call it) is far more than its climate. It has emerged as one of America's most livable cities, with a walkable downtown, a world-class arts scene anchored by the Dalí Museum, beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, and a vibrant, welcoming community. For NJ transplants, St. Petersburg offers a unique combination: the cultural amenities of a much larger city, the charm of a beach community, and a cost of living that's more affordable than Tampa across the bay. The city has experienced tremendous growth and revitalization, with new restaurants, breweries, and shops filling historic buildings.
Want to listen? Here's the summary:
St. Petersburg holds the Guinness World Record for consecutive days of sunshine, 768 days, telling you everything about the weather. But St. Pete (as locals call it) is far more than its climate. It has emerged as one of America's most livable cities, with a walkable downtown, a world-class arts scene, and award-winning beaches just minutes away. The median home price is around $410,000, with a range from $250,000 to $2 million-plus. Property tax rates average approximately 1.2%, well below Bergen County's 2.3% average. The downtown is home to the Salvador Dali Museum, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, and the St. Pete Pier. St. Pete Beach and Fort De Soto Park are consistently rated among the best beaches in the country. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 20 minutes north with direct flights to Newark. Homeowners insurance ranges from $2,500 to $5,500 annually. St. Petersburg is best for art lovers and culture enthusiasts, those who want a walkable urban beach community, and NJ transplants seeking a vibrant downtown lifestyle near the beach.
Copy, paste into Google Translate, click the speaker icon to listen in any language.
For the best listening experience, download the free Google Translate app (iOS or Android).
Key Numbers for St. Petersburg
Property Taxes
~1.2%
vs. Bergen County ~2.3%
Median Home Price
$410K
$250K to $2M+
State Income Tax
0%
vs. NJ up to 10.75%
Best For
Art lovers and culture enthusiasts, Those who want a walkable, urban beach community, LGBTQ+ friendly and progressive communities, People who want the best weather in Florida, NJ transplants seeking a vibrant downtown lifestyle near the beach
Life in St. Petersburg
The arts scene is St. Pete's crown jewel. The Dalí Museum houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside Spain, housed in a stunning glass-and-concrete building on the waterfront. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Chihuly Collection, and the Morean Arts Center add to the cultural density. The city's murals program has turned downtown into an open-air gallery with dozens of large-scale public artworks.
Downtown St. Pete is exceptionally walkable. Central Avenue is the main spine, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and the Sundial entertainment complex. The St. Pete Pier, completely rebuilt in 2020, is a stunning waterfront destination with restaurants, a playground, and a fishing pier. Beach Drive along the waterfront is one of Florida's most beautiful urban streets.
The beaches are legendary. St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach are just minutes from downtown, with white sand and warm Gulf waters. Fort De Soto Park, consistently named America's best beach, is a short drive south. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene with over 20 breweries.
Property Tax Comparison: Bergen County vs. St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is in Pinellas County, where property taxes are lower than Bergen County but slightly higher than some inland Florida counties. Homesteaded rates are approximately 1.1% to 1.4%, still dramatically less than Bergen County.
Bergen County, NJ
~2.3%
On a $600,000 home: ~$13,800/year
St. Petersburg, FL
~1.2%
On a $400,000 home: approximately $4,800/year. Bergen County equivalent: ~$9,200/year.
Florida homeowners enjoy no state income tax and property taxes roughly half of Bergen County's rates.
This is educational information only. Consult a licensed CPA or tax attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Schools & Education
St. Petersburg is served by Pinellas County Schools, one of Florida's established school districts. The district offers a range of magnet programs, fundamental schools, and career academies.
- St. Petersburg High School offers IB program
- Shorecrest Preparatory School, a private option in the area
- Multiple fundamental and magnet elementary schools
- Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School
- St. Petersburg College and University of South Florida St. Petersburg locally
Getting Back to New Jersey
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is about 20 minutes north with flights to Newark (EWR). Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 30 minutes northeast with broader NJ connections. Driving to Bergen County is approximately 15-16 hours via I-95.
Insurance Considerations
Homeowners insurance in St. Pete is among the higher-cost areas in Florida due to its coastal location and hurricane exposure. Expect annual premiums between $3,500 and $7,000. Flood insurance is often necessary, especially for properties near the water or in low-lying areas.
Insurance rates and availability vary by carrier, location, and property type. Consult your carrier or a licensed Florida insurance agent for current rates and coverage options.
Renting in St. Petersburg
The Sunshine City with a vibrant arts scene, waterfront living, and great value.
Rental Market Snapshot
What Renters Are Paying
Average rent across all unit types: approximately $1,900/mo.
What You Get for That Rent
St. Petersburg is Tampa Bay's cultural gem, offering a vibrant arts scene, waterfront living, and great value. The rental market includes waterfront condos along Tampa Bay, historic bungalows in Old Northeast and Kenwood, and newer developments throughout the city. The Daí Museum, Chihuly Collection, and thriving downtown make St. Pete one of Florida's most livable cities.
Florida Renter Protections: What You Need to Know
Security Deposits
Florida does not cap security deposits. Landlords can charge any amount, though one to two months' rent is standard. Landlords must hold deposits in a separate non-interest-bearing account or post a surety bond. After move-out, they have 15 days to return the deposit with no deductions, or 30 days to send written notice of any claimed damages.
Lease Terms and Notice
Florida is a default-eviction state. Landlords can terminate a month-to-month tenancy with 15 days' written notice. For nonpayment of rent, landlords can issue a 3-day notice to pay or vacate. There is no statewide just-cause eviction requirement, though local ordinances may add protections.
HOA Rental Restrictions
Many St. Petersburg communities are governed by HOAs that restrict rentals. Common restrictions include minimum lease terms of 6 to 12 months, caps on the percentage of units that can be rented, and tenant approval requirements. Always verify HOA rules before signing a lease, as these restrictions can limit your options.
Source: Florida Statutes Chapter 83, Landlord and Tenant
The Sunshine City With Soul
St. Petersburg's arts scene is the heartbeat of the city. The Daí Museum houses the largest collection of Salvador Daí's work outside Spain, and the Chihuly Collection showcases stunning blown-glass installations. Downtown's murals program has turned the city into an open-air gallery with over 30 large-scale public artworks. The Warehouse Arts District and the annual SHINE Mural Festival keep the creative energy flowing year-round.
Waterfront living defines St. Pete's character. The St. Pete Pier, rebuilt in 2020, is a stunning destination with restaurants, a playground, a fishing pier, and sweeping views of Tampa Bay. Vinoy Park hosts concerts and festivals right on the water. The Sunken Gardens, a historic botanical oasis, offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. For beach lovers, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Fort De Soto Park are all within a short drive.
The downtown food and drink scene has exploded in recent years. Central Avenue is lined with acclaimed restaurants, craft breweries, and cocktail bars. The Edge District and Grand Central District offer diverse dining options, from farm-to-table to international cuisine. First Friday and Saturday Morning Market are beloved community traditions. For NJ renters, St. Pete offers an authentic urban Florida lifestyle with a walkable core, a thriving social scene, and all the benefits of coastal living at a fraction of the cost of other Gulf Coast cities.
Scott Selleck has helped many NJ families find their perfect rental in St. Petersburg. Whether you want a downtown condo near the pier or a historic bungalow in Kenwood, he can guide you to the right neighborhood.
Commute Options for Renters
PSTA Bus
Route: Countywide coverage across Pinellas County
Time: Varies by route, frequent downtown service
Monthly pass: approximately $57
Best for: Downtown commuters, beach access without a car
SunRunner BRT
Route: Downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach via 1st Ave S
Time: 25 minutes end to end
Monthly pass: approximately $57 (shared with PSTA)
Best for: Beach access, downtown to St. Pete Beach commute
Driving
Route: I-275, US 19, and local roads
Time: 20-30 minutes to Tampa, 30-40 minutes to TPA airport
Tolls: Limited toll roads in Pinellas County
Parking: Downtown is walkable; many buildings include parking
What It Actually Costs to Rent in St. Petersburg
Monthly Rent
Median $1,900/mo for a typical 1-2 bedroom apartment
Security Deposit
No state cap. Standard is 1-2 months' rent
Utilities
Electric $100-$180/mo (Duke Energy), water $30-$60/mo, internet $60-$90/mo
Renters Insurance
Commonly required by landlords. $15-$30/mo
HOA Fees
Some condo and apartment communities charge $50-$200/mo for amenities
Pet Costs
Monthly pet rent $25-$75. Breed restrictions common in HOA communities
All figures are estimates based on current St. Petersburg market data as of August 2026. Actual costs vary by community, unit size, and lease terms.
Is St. Petersburg Right for You?
This town is an excellent match if you're looking for:
Questions About St. Petersburg?
St. Pete is one of the most unique and livable cities in Florida. I can help you find the right neighborhood, whether you want downtown urban or beachside living.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Petersburg
Is St. Petersburg really the sunniest city in Florida?
St. Petersburg holds the Guinness World Record for 768 consecutive days of sunshine. It is consistently one of the sunniest cities in the entire United States.
How much does it cost to live in St. Petersburg?
The median home price is around $410K. While more affordable than Tampa across the bay, prices have risen as the city has become more popular with out-of-state transplants.
What is there to do in St. Petersburg?
The city is known for the Dalí Museum, the Chihuly Collection, a vibrant downtown with restaurants and breweries, the St. Pete Pier, and beautiful nearby beaches including Fort De Soto Park.
Is St. Petersburg walkable?
Downtown St. Pete is one of the most walkable cities in Florida. Central Avenue, Beach Drive, and the St. Pete Pier are all easily navigable on foot or by bike.
How far is St. Petersburg from the airport?
St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) is about 20 minutes north with flights to Newark. Tampa International (TPA) is about 30 minutes northeast with broader NJ connections.
Related Resources
Continue exploring your NJ to Florida relocation with these helpful guides and tools.
Explore Other Central Florida Towns
Browse all Central Florida town guides
Cost of Living Comparison
Compare living costs across Florida regions
Hurricane Preparedness Guide
What Central FL residents need to know
Which Florida Town Is Right for You?
Take our 7-question quiz for a personalized recommendation