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Cost of Living in Alachua County

Is it better to rent or buy in Alachua County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$67,516
$1,400/mo

Median in area: $1,400

$282,133

Median in area: $282,133

$56,427

If you Rent

🔑
$1,584 /mo
Base Rent$1,400
Est. Utilities$184
% of Income28.2%
Pre-tax Residual$4,042

If you Buy

🏠
$2,043 /mo
P&I (7.016%)$1,504
Taxes & Ins$355
Est. Utilities$184
% of Income36.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,583

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Alachua County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyPutnam County, FL
$894/mo
countyGilchrist County, FL
$1,037/mo
countyLevy County, FL
$835/mo
countyBradford County, FL
$947/mo
countyMarion County, FL
$1,390/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Alachua County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Alachua County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,584, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,043 per month (a difference of $459).

How much do utilities cost in Alachua County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Alachua County is approximately $184. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Alachua County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Alachua County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $63,360 per year.