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

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Gainesville is 33% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,214/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 22%
$45,611/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 44%
$235,000 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 34%
$1,167/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 17%
143,611
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $19,926/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Springfield — common questions

Is Gainesville or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Springfield?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Springfield?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $19,926/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Springfield

Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces