Cost of Living in Rainbow Lakes Estates, FL

Population 3,376 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

52
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Rainbow Lakes Estates a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $145,000.

Geographically, Rainbow Lakes Estates is about 35 miles south of Gainesville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Gainesville's $235,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 47
Rent 58

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Rainbow Lakes Estates

The median home value in Rainbow Lakes Estates is $144,500 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $766/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,298/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Rainbow Lakes Estates has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$144,500
53% below avg
Median Rent
$766/mo
42% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,085
1 BR
$1,181
2 BR
$1,427
3 BR
$1,797
4 BR
$2,099
Owner-occupied 86.1%
Renter-occupied 13.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$766
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,380/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
39.6 min
47% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.2%
Carpooled
7.7%
Work from home
7.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.1%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$50,298
33% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,334
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
23% below avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
Labor Force Participation
43.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.4%
Graduate degree 3.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 51.8
Male median age 55
Female median age 48

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 45 — Good
66%
Good air days/yr
99
Max AQI recorded
248
PM2.5 days
117
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rainbow Lakes Estates, FL?

Rainbow Lakes Estates has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rainbow Lakes Estates, FL?

The median gross rent in Rainbow Lakes Estates is $766 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rainbow Lakes Estates?

The median home value in Rainbow Lakes Estates is $144,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Rainbow Lakes Estates?

The median household income in Rainbow Lakes Estates is $50,298 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rainbow Lakes Estates, FL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rainbow Lakes Estates is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.

Is Rainbow Lakes Estates, FL affordable?

Yes, Rainbow Lakes Estates is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.