Cost of Living in Alachua County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Alachua County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Alachua County ranks #2,999 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Alachua County
Affordability Verdict
Alachua County offers moderately affordable rental housing at a median of $1,255/month — about 25.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Alachua County pay $1,255/month on average, compared to $1,144/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,029/year. With a median household income of $59,659, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 37.0% of renter households in Alachua County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Alachua County is less affordable than Nassau County by roughly 6% ($1,255/mo vs $1,335/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Alachua County
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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