Median rent is 25% lower in Gainesville ($1,214/mo vs $1,614/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gainesville, where the median home runs $235,000 versus $271,000. Households earn more in Middletown ($77,174 vs $45,611 a year). Taken together, Middletown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 92.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Middletown, NY.
City A
Gainesville, FL
City B
Middletown, NY
How much would you need to earn in Middletown, NY to maintain your standard of living from Gainesville, FL?
Equivalent salary in Middletown, NY
$74,893
You could earn $107 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Gainesville
Florida
Middletown
New York
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Gainesville — median rent of $1,214/mo versus $1,614/mo in Middletown, a 25% difference. Median home values are within 13% of each other: $235,000 in Gainesville and $271,000 in Middletown.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Gainesville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 4.00% in New York; Middletown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Gainesville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Middletown
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Gainesville (avg AQI 35.0) but not yet for Middletown.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize higher median household income ($77,174/yr).
Pick Gainesville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,214/mo median).
Pick Gainesville if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Gainesville cheaper than Middletown?
Middletown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 92.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Middletown.
How much is rent in Gainesville vs Middletown?
Median rent is $1,214/mo in Gainesville, FL and $1,614/mo in Middletown, NY. Gainesville, FL has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Gainesville or Middletown?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville, FL and $77,174 in Middletown, NY. Middletown, NY has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Gainesville or Middletown?
Florida has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Middletown to match my Gainesville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Gainesville, FL is equivalent to roughly $99,857 in Middletown, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology