Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Gainesville is 28% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,214/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 21%
$45,611/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 40%
$235,000 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 67%
$1,167/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 32%
143,611
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $18,263/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Gainesville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $18,263/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New Jersey?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Elizabeth

Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland