Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Boston is 117% more expensive than Gainesville.

$2,093/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 42%
$94,755/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 52%
$710,400 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 67%
$2,176/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 46%
663,972
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $879/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $10,548/year.

Median household income is $49,144/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Boston or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Gainesville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $879/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Gainesville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $49,144/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Gainesville details →

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