Cost of Living in Alachua County, Florida

$1,255/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$266,800

Median Home Value

2% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,255/mo

2% above state average

Median Home Value

$266,800

5% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

37.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Alachua County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Alachua County$1,255/mo

Florida Average$1,233/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,255/mo

Median Gross Rent

$266,800

Median Home Value

$1,144/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

37.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Alachua County, Florida

Alachua rents strain budgets above average

Renters in Alachua County spend 25.2% of their income on housing, a point above the national norm. That's roughly $1,255 monthly against a median household income of $59,659—nearly $15,000 less than the typical U.S. household earns.

Housing costs rank midfield in Florida

Alachua's rent-to-income ratio of 25.2% exceeds Florida's 22.5% state average, placing it in the costlier half of the state's 67 counties. The median rent of $1,255 also edges slightly above the statewide median of $1,233.

Pricier than rural neighbors to the north

Alachua's $1,255 rent significantly outpaces Bradford County ($838) and Calhoun County ($680) in the region. But Bay County to the west is even steeper at $1,424, making Alachua a middle ground for North Central Florida renters.

Renters pay more than homeowners here

Alachua renters face a 25.2% housing burden while homeowners spend 23.0% of income on mortgage costs. The median home value of $266,800 and median monthly ownership cost of $1,144 reflect a more manageable path for those with down payment savings.

College town charm with affordability trade-offs

Alachua offers a vibrant Gainesville-anchored community but demands higher rent-to-income ratios than rural neighbors. If housing affordability is your priority, nearby Bradford or Baker counties deliver similar amenities at 17% housing cost burden.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Alachua County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

25.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,392

per month

Owner Cost Burden

23.0%

of gross income

The median home in Alachua County may be a stretch

Median home value is $266,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,130 vs. your max of $1,392.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio25.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Alachua County, Florida?

Alachua County, Florida has a median monthly rent of $1,255/mo and a median home value of $266,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 37.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Alachua County?

The median gross rent in Alachua County is $1,255/mo. This is 2% above state average for Florida.

Is Alachua County affordable?

Alachua County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 37.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Alachua County's rent compare to the state average?

Alachua County's median rent of $1,255/mo is 2% above state average of $1,233/mo for Florida.

What is the median home value in Alachua County?

The median home value in Alachua County, Florida is $266,800. This is 5% below the national median home value of $281,900.