2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Gainesville, FL vs Fernandina Beach, FL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Fernandina Beach or is it cheaper to live in Gainesville?
- Fernandina Beach is 19.6% more expensive than Gainesville.

Which city has more affordable housing, Fernandina Beach or Gainesville?
- Fernandina Beach housing costs are 91.4% more expensive than Gainesville housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Gainesville or is Health Care more affordable in Fernandina Beach.
- Health related expenses are 1.9% more in Fernandina Beach.
 Gainesville, FLFernandina Beach, FLUnited States
 Overall  Unlock110.3100
 Food & Groceries99.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock109.6100
 Housing78.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$556,300$338,100
 Utilities105  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock98.4100
 Miscellaneous104.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Gainesville    60 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I've lived here most of my life. It's changed a lot, and a lot of the locals don't like it. Because it's home to one of the largest universities in the country, we see a  More

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Lovely diverse city! People is nice and there is always something to do. Outdoors activities are awesome! The springs are beautiful and there are plenty of hiking  More

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Gainesville has the highest taxes and electrical rates in the state. The city is run by a bunch of liberals who have no idea what they are doing. Crime and homelessness  More

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Reviews for Fernandina Beach    8 Reviews

We traveled the entire east and west coasts of Florida and the entire east coast of Georgia. We LOVED St. Marys GA. but decided on Amelia Island... Mainly because AI has  More

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Over 6 years ago

There is no place in Florida like Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach. The beach is beautiful.. But, best of all are the people. Real Southern hospitality... Southern charm  More

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Over 12 years ago

Came back to Fernandina after a long hiatus. Fernandina has always been a magical place, but many things are getting better. The restaurant scene has improved  More

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