Cost of Living in Gainesville, GA
Population 44,051 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Gainesville's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $64,636 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 35 miles northwest of Athens-Clarke County, Gainesville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gainesville
The median home value in Gainesville is $337,000 — 10% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,234/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,636/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. The climate averages highs of 70.7°F and lows of 51.6°F. Overall, Gainesville has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 51 | 55 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 81 | 72 | 62 | 53 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.95 | 4.65 | 4.78 | 3.98 | 4.01 | 4.23 | 4.42 | 4.73 | 3.89 | 3.85 | 4.18 | 4.71 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gainesville, GA?
Gainesville has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Gainesville, GA?
The median gross rent in Gainesville is $1,234 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gainesville?
The median home value in Gainesville is $337,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gainesville?
The median household income in Gainesville is $64,636 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gainesville, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gainesville is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Gainesville, GA affordable?
Gainesville is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Gainesville?
Gainesville has average high temperatures of 70.7°F and average lows of 51.6°F. Annual precipitation is 52.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Gainesville at a Glance
- Population
- 44,051
- Median Income
- $64,636
- Home Value
- $337,000
- Median Rent
- $1,234/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
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