Gainesville, Florida has an overall cost of living index of 92.6, which is 7.4 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,214 per month, while the typical home is valued around $235,000. Households earn a median of $45,611 per year, so rent absorbs a relatively high share of local income. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 35. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$45,611
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,214
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$235,000
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
92.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,154
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,246
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,493
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,868
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
92.6
Goods
96.4
Rents / Housing
73.6
Services
131.4
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
None
No state income tax on wages
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $127,080 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $85,980 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $74,940 |
| ⚡Electrician | $81,440 |
| 📊Accountant | $85,280 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
143,611
Latest estimate
Median Age
26.5 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
35.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Gainesville?
Gainesville has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 92.6. The US national average is 100, so Gainesville is 7.4 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Gainesville?
The median gross rent in Gainesville is $1,214 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Gainesville?
The median household income in Gainesville is $45,611 per year.
What is the median home value in Gainesville?
The median home value in Gainesville is $235,000 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Gainesville?
Gainesville has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Gainesville?
Florida has no state income tax on wages and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology