Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Tacoma is 56% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,597/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 24%
$83,857/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 46%
$454,600 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 48%
$1,747/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 33%
220,482
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $38,246/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Tacoma or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Gainesville?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Gainesville?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $38,246/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

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