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Tampa vs Port St. Lucie: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Tampa is 5% more expensive than Port St. Lucie. Tampa is 10% safer. Tampa population: 413,554. Port St. Lucie population: 268,062.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingPort St. Lucie
SafetyTampa
HousingPort St. Lucie

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Tampa vs Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 105 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 5 index points.

CategoryTampaPort St. Lucie
Overall Index105100
Housing$2,314/moIndex: 130$2,100/moIndex: 118
Groceries$418/moIndex: 102$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$357/moIndex: 102$350/moIndex: 100
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$224/moIndex: 102$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Tampa vs Port St. Lucie

Tampa is 10% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents vs Port St. Lucie's 25.3. Tampa earns a B- safety grade compared to Port St. Lucie's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Tampa

Florida

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate22.7/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Port St. Lucie

Florida

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25.3/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricTampaPort St. Lucie
Overall Crime Rate22.7/1K25.3/1K
Violent Crime Rate436.9373.0
Property Crime Rate1835.02152.7
Murder Rate8.35.9
Assault Rate301.7244.5
Robbery Rate111.772.6
Burglary Rate293.5304.2
Theft Rate1136.01564.4
Vehicle Theft Rate330.9381.4

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Tampa, you have a 1 in 44 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 40 in Port St. Lucie.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Tampa. A full comparison requires both cities.

Tampa Climate Overview

Annual High82.4°F
Annual Low64.8°F
Annual Rain46.3"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months8
Best MonthNovember
Worst MonthAugust
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa cheaper than Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie is 5% more affordable than Tampa, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 105 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,314/mo in Tampa vs $2,100/mo in Port St. Lucie.
Is Tampa safer than Port St. Lucie?
Tampa is 10% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents vs Port St. Lucie's 25.3. Tampa earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Tampa or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa is safer (B- grade). Port St. Lucie is more affordable (index 100 vs 105). Tampa has a population of 413,554 and Port St. Lucie has 268,062. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Tampa compared to Port St. Lucie?
Tampa has a population of 413,554 and Port St. Lucie has 268,062. Tampa is 54% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Tampa or Port St. Lucie?
Housing is cheaper in Port St. Lucie. Estimated monthly housing costs: Tampa $2,314/mo vs Port St. Lucie $2,100/mo. That's based on a housing index of 130 vs 118 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Tampa Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Port St. Lucie Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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