Cost of Living in Gainesville, TX
Population 17,688 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Gainesville is a smaller Texas community of around 18000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,341 and housing costs ($163,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 30 miles north of Denton, Gainesville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Denton's $326,000.
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 $162,900 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,080/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,341/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 76.0°F and lows of 52.9°F. Overall, Gainesville has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less 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 | 56 | 60 | 68 | 75 | 83 | 91 | 96 | 96 | 88 | 78 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 32 | 36 | 45 | 51 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 73 | 64 | 53 | 42 | 34 |
| Precip" | 1.94 | 2.48 | 3.11 | 3.43 | 4.52 | 3.67 | 1.77 | 2.39 | 2.65 | 4.17 | 2.71 | 2.76 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gainesville, TX?
Gainesville has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gainesville, TX?
The median gross rent in Gainesville is $1,080 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gainesville?
The median home value in Gainesville is $162,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gainesville?
The median household income in Gainesville is $56,341 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gainesville, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gainesville is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Gainesville, TX affordable?
Yes, Gainesville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Gainesville?
Gainesville has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 52.9°F. Annual precipitation is 35.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Gainesville at a Glance
- Population
- 17,688
- Median Income
- $56,341
- Home Value
- $162,900
- Median Rent
- $1,080/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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