Cost of Living: Gainesville, FL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Gainesville is 19% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,214/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 8%
$45,611/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 40%
$235,000 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 49%
$1,167/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 17%
143,611
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $18,289/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Gainesville or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Wilmington?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Wilmington?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $18,289/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Gainesville or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gainesville details → View Wilmington details →

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