Gainesville, FL vs Lakeland, FL: Cost of Living Comparison
Gainesville has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Gainesville | Lakeland | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 77 | 80 | Gainesville |
| Housing | 67 ($850) | 66 ($909) | Lakeland |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Gainesville |
| Food & groceries | 61 ($250) | 82 ($336) | Gainesville |
| Utilities | 84 ($121) | 83 ($119) | Lakeland |
| Healthcare | 84 ($87) | 83 ($86) | Lakeland |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,880) | 99 ($47,880) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville, FL or Lakeland, FL cheaper to live in?
Gainesville, FL is cheaper overall by about 3 index points (Gainesville, FL: 77, Lakeland, FL: 80; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Gainesville, FL vs Lakeland, FL?
A single adult needs roughly $26,950/year in Gainesville, FL and $28,000/year in Lakeland, FL to cover basic living costs.