Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Kent, WA (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Gainesville is 44% cheaper than Kent.

$1,214/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 51%
$45,611/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 98%
$235,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 129%
$1,167/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 64%
143,611
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $44,805/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Kent — common questions

Is Gainesville or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Kent?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Kent?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $44,805/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Washington?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Kent

Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights