Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Chicago is 23% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,380/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 12%
$75,134/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 39%
$315,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 25%
$1,502/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 22%
2,707,648
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $29,523/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Chicago or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Gainesville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Gainesville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $29,523/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Gainesville

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