Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Gainesville is 15% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,214/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 23%
$45,611/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↑ 37%
$235,000 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 12%
$1,167/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 14%
143,611
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $16,719/year higher in Lehigh Acres. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Gainesville or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $16,719/year higher in Lehigh Acres.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Lehigh Acres

Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia Lehigh Acres vs. Lewisville Lehigh Acres vs. Columbia Lehigh Acres vs. Norman Lehigh Acres vs. Abilene Lehigh Acres vs. Fargo Lehigh Acres vs. Athens