Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Plano is 63% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,792/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 32%
$108,649/yr ↑ 138%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 58%
$440,600 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 47%
$1,829/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 36%
287,339
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $63,038/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Plano or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Gainesville?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Gainesville?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $63,038/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Gainesville

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