Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Gainesville is 8% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,214/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 11%
$45,611/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 49%
$235,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$234,100 ≈ Same
$1,167/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 15%
143,611
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $22,147/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Hampton — common questions

Is Gainesville or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Hampton?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Hampton?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $22,147/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Hampton

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