Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Gainesville is 33% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,214/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 22%
$45,611/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 29%
$235,000 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 36%
$1,167/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 14%
143,611
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $13,105/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Peoria — common questions

Is Gainesville or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Peoria?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Peoria?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $13,105/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Peoria

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