Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs College Station, TX (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Gainesville is 11% cheaper than College Station.

$1,214/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 4%
$45,611/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 14%
$235,000 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 39%
$1,167/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 7%
143,611
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,165/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs College Station — common questions

Is Gainesville or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and College Station?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or College Station?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $6,165/year higher in College Station.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and College Station

Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette