When looking to move, you ask what the cost of living in Gainesville is, and thankfully, we have all the answers. Before making the commitment to relocating to a new town, you first need to know whether you can afford it. Instead of making the leap and then getting stuck eating Top Ramen every day, find out just how much money you need to live in Gainesville without sacrificing your home or food budget.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything from how much sales tax you’ll pay to the average home prices. By the end, you can easily decide whether Gainesville is affordable for you.
Gainesville Cost of Living Index
So, how much does it cost to live in Gainesville? Well, that can be difficult to answer since it depends on the person and family. Every person is different, and the amount of money you spend can vary depending on your lifestyle, the number of people in your family, whether you’re renting or buying, and more. The reality is…What’s the quality of life you’re looking for in Gainesville? This determines a lot.
But, the best way to find out the affordability of a city is to look at the Gainesville cost of living index. This data shows you how much more expensive or affordable Gainesville is when compared to the national cost averages. It uses things like transportation, healthcare, housing, and more. So, how does this city measure up? The good news is, Gainesville is an affordable city. It’s 8.7% cheaper than the national average.
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There are a few things that are quite cheaper than the national average. Gainesville’s healthcare is 16.4% less than what most people pay. And utilities are 2.2% more affordable as well. There is a lot going in its favor. Housing is 13% cheaper and transportation is 14.2% cheaper as well! Those who live in Gainesville will experience many affordable luxuries that individuals in Florida don’t often have.
It’s also good to look at the consumer price index for Gainesville. Those living in Gainesville spend about 30% of their income on housing. Though this may seem like a lot, it’s less than the national average. But, like most cities, Gainesville’s living expenses are rising. Day to day life here is becoming slightly more expensive at a rate of 2.3%.
Cost of Items in Gainesville
How expensive is it to live in Gainesville? One way to figure this out is to look at the average cost of goods in Gainesville. Grocery prices are important since you’ll be spending a lot on food. And since you’ll most likely be driving to work, the average gas prices in Gainesville is another great thing to look at. The cost of maintaining your quality of life depends on what you buy, but we have a list of the most common things that people buy.
Trying to find all of this data yourself can be a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, we did all the work for you so you don’t have to! Between transportation costs, utilities, gas, groceries, and more, you’ll want to know whether or not your lifestyle is realistic for Gainesville goods and services. Here’s a list of common prices that you can expect:
- Steak (Ribeye, 1lb.) $10.39
- Milk (regular 1/2 gallon) $2.08
- Eggs (1 Dozen) $1.56
- Potatoes (5 lb bag) $3.83
- Bread (1 loaf) $3.65
- Beer (Heineken’s 6 pack) $9.43
- Average Cell Phone Bill $183.18
- Average Cost of Gasoline (per gallon) $2.36
- Average Cost of Utilities (per month) $159.47
- McDonald’s Burger (1/4 Pounder) $3.75
- Large Pizza $8.79
- Movie Ticket (1st run) $11.53
Gainesville Real Estate Market
There are many people that live in Gainesville, and 61% of them own their homes, which is fairly high! Why do so many people want to live in Gainesville? With the average commute time of just 20 minutes, it’s clear that this is a desirable city to live in thanks to its close proximity to many large cities. Currently, the Gainesville real estate market is considered to be somewhat competitive. In this area, most homes receive just one offer, and it occurs after about 47 days. Homes often go for 3% under the list price, so keep that in mind when you buy!
The average sale price for a home in Gainesville is about $200,208. The median price of homes in Gainesville is $229,900. This amounts to about $138 per square foot, and most people put about 10% down on the home. There are also some frequently viewed homes in the Gainesville area that go to pending in just 17 days, so when you find something you love, act on it!
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Largo, FL or let us introduce you to a local agent in the area.
Gainesville Rental Market – Average rent in Gainesville
For the other 40% or so that do not own a home, they rent an apartment or home in the area. The average rent in Gainesville for an apartment is $1,099. The rental trends are following a decrease when compared to last year’s prices. On average, a one-bedroom apartment rents for $899 a month, which is actually a slight decrease from last year. The rent costs have decreased by about $76, which amounts to -6.5%. There are plenty of apartments to choose from, but one-bedroom apartments are on a steep decrease in price, which is great for those who are single or have a small family.
Average Salary & Household Income in Gainesville
Asking how much you need to make to live comfortably in Gainesville? The average salary in Gainesville is $55,000. Or, if you want the hourly income average, it amounts to $15.54 per hour. Some jobs, like project managers, make a bit more at an average of $63,000. One of the highest paying jobs in Gainesville is an assistant professor, which makes an average of $79,000.
Some of the most popular employers in Gainesville are the University of Florida, Exactech, Inc., Mindtree Counseling, Shands Hospital, and Philips Electronics.
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Income, Sales, & Property Taxes in Gainesville, FL
You know that you’re going to have to pay your taxes, but what about the Gainesville taxes when it comes to your income, sales, and property taxes? When it comes to these things, it can really add up, so you’ll want to know the rates before deciding whether or not you can afford it.
Income Tax
This is where things get interesting. When it comes to the state of Florida, there is no personal income tax. However, before you get too excited, know that the tax is made up in other things, like sales and property taxes.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Gainesville is 7%. The Florida sales tax rate is 6%, and the Alachua County tax is 1%. The city of Gainesville doesn’t have a city tax rate.
Property Tax
When it comes to Gainesville property tax, it’s actually one of the highest in the state. Alachua County citizens pay an average of 1.35% of their property’s value in property tax each year. Of course, property tax in Gainesville will depend based on the size of the property and where you purchase your property.
Can You Afford the Cost of Living in Gainesville?
When it comes to Gainesville standard of living costs, you’ll have to decide whether or not your income will give you the same quality of life here as it does in other places. Overall, Gainesville is a very affordable place to live, and it’s a beautiful town that’s perfect to move to!
If you decide that Gainesville is the place you want to be, you’ll need help moving all of your belongings. A professional Gainesville moving company, like 2 College Brothers, to help get you where you need to be. With strong ethics and affordable prices, you can count on us to get the job done! Give us a call today for a free quote today.
