Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Lakewood is 74% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,746/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 30%
$85,789/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 47%
$548,200 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 57%
$1,729/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 33%
156,309
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $40,178/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Lakewood or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Gainesville?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Gainesville?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $40,178/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Gainesville

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia