Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Gainesville and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,214/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 5%
$45,611/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 17%
$235,000 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 20%
$1,167/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 7%
143,611
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $7,792/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Allentown — common questions

Is Gainesville or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Allentown?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Allentown?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $7,792/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Pennsylvania?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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