Let the numbers do the talking.
Saint Petersburg, FL vs Tampa, FL
Saint Petersburg, FL vs Tampa, FL: What the data shows
Saint Petersburg, FL is in Saint Petersburg, FL while Tampa, FL is in Tampa, FL — both in the same state. On home prices, Saint Petersburg, FL is the more affordable option at $499,900 median — $240,200 less than Tampa, FL's $740,100. WYLT rates Saint Petersburg, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Tampa, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Saint Petersburg, FL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Saint Petersburg, FL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Tampa, FL has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Saint Petersburg, FL has Low flood risk and Tampa, FL has High flood risk.
Saint Petersburg, FL is the more walkable neighborhood. Saint Petersburg, FL scores 82/100 (very walkable) versus Tampa, FL's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Saint Petersburg, FL has the higher school rating — Saint Petersburg, FL rates 8.2/10 and Tampa, FL rates 7/10.
| Category | Saint Petersburg, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $500K ✓ Lower price | $740K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $65K | $107K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 82/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 56/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 48/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 32 min | 4 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.2/10 ✓ Better schools | 7/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesYoung professionalsWalkers | Young professionalsRemote workersHigh‑income families |
Bottom line
For budget-sensitive families looking for good schools and walkability, Saint Petersburg is the better choice due to its slightly lower home prices and higher school ratings. However, for high-earning remote workers who prioritize a short commute over other factors, Tampa might be a better fit. Ultimately, neither neighborhood is ideal, but Saint Petersburg edges out Tampa due to its better balance of affordability and quality of life.
Share this comparison