Key factors that impact the cost of your Raleigh to St. Petersburg movetoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Raleigh to St. Petersburg (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,331, while larger moves may reach $7,806 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Raleigh.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $558 to $1,421, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to St. Petersburg

Moving from Raleigh to St. Petersburg means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in St. Petersburg, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Raleigh compares to St. Petersburg so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Raleigh St. Petersburg
Average rent cost $1,670 $2,075
Average home value $431,795 $360,584
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $64,374
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $2,642
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $6,178
Unemployment rate 4.3% 4.6%
Sales tax 7.25% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in St. Petersburg are 24% higher than in Raleigh, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in St. Petersburg.
    Home prices in St. Petersburg are 16.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Income in St. Petersburg is 2,402.9% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in St. Petersburg include Jabil, FADV Holdings, and Raymond James.
  • The cost of living for a single person in St. Petersburg is 56.5% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to St. Petersburg, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in St. Petersburg is 1.7% higher than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Petersburg is 6.98% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in St. Petersburg, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in St. Petersburg are 3.45% lower than in Raleigh.
  • One perk of moving to St. Petersburg is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,304.26 in St. Petersburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Raleigh
Population 259,343 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 43 31
Bike friendliness score 59 39
Crime Index 39.54 38.87
Safety Index 60.46 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • St. Petersburg might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 45% less than Raleigh.
  • St. Petersburg offers better access to buses and trains than Raleigh, based on public transportation ratings. St. Petersburg has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Raleigh. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in St. Petersburg means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Raleigh. St. Petersburg is considered more walkable than Raleigh, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Raleigh. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, St. Petersburg is considered more bike-friendly than Raleigh in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. St. Petersburg has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, while Raleigh is rated as 39 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in St. Petersburg as Raleigh. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • St. Petersburg is generally as safe as Raleigh, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that St. Petersburg has better air quality than in Raleigh. St. Petersburg has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Raleigh. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh vs. St. Petersburg move

  • Weather: St. Petersburg has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Florida, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toSt. Petersburg Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in St. Petersburg

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Always in Season" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • North Downtown
  • North Shore
  • Crescent Lake
  • Uptown
  • University Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Crescent Heights
  • Holiday Park
  • Euclid-St. Paul
  • Magnolia Heights
  • Snell Isle

Things to do in St. Petersburg

Now that you've made the move to Florida, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore St. Petersburg. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout St. Petersburg, such as the The Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, Duncan McClellan Gallery, Imagine Museum, and James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sawgrass Lake Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Vinoy Park, and Skyway Fishing Pier State Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Raleigh to St. Petersburg?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to St. Petersburg are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to St. Petersburg?

With many people choosing to move from Raleigh to St. Petersburg in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Raleigh to St. Petersburg take?

Moving from Raleigh, NC to St. Petersburg, FL covers 674 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Raleigh movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Petersburg.

Helpful moving resources