2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Gainesville, FL vs Sarasota, FL

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Highlights
Are people in Sarasota older or younger than people in Gainesville?
- The Median Age in Sarasota is 22.2 years older than in Gainesville.

Are housing costs cheaper in Sarasota or Gainesville?
- Sarasota housing costs are 67.2% more expensive than Gainesville housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Sarasota or Gainesville?
- The average commute for residents of Sarasota is 2.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Gainesville.

Things to do in Gainesville?
Gainesville, Florida is a lively city in Alachua County. Home to the University of Florida, this city is known for its vibrant college town atmosphere. With plenty of shops and restaurants along bustling downtown streets and nearby outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking at Paynes Prairie State Park, there's no shortage of things to do here. Gainesville also has great schools and universities, as well as several parks where visitors can take in the beauty of nature. Whether you're looking for an exciting night out or a peaceful afternoon in nature, Gainesville is sure to have something for everyone.

Things to do in Sarasota?
Sarasota, Florida is a vibrant and inviting city located on the west coast of the Sunshine State. With its beautiful beaches and palm trees, Sarasota offers plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up some sun. Visitors can explore the area's unique culture with a visit to one of its many local attractions, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a hike or bike ride through one of the many trails or parks around town. Plus, with its convenient location close to major cities like Tampa and St. Petersburg, visitors have easy access for a day trip if desired. With so much to offer, it's no wonder why Sarasota remains a popular destination year-round!

 Gainesville, FLSarasota, FLUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,786329,725,481
 Median Income$40,937  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4938.4
 Avg. Home Price$271,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.71  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Gainesville    60 Reviews

Over 3 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 Sarasota    105 Reviews

Sarasota is my home from birth but those of us who have lived here long enough to have seen the devolution of what was once an easy to navigate, clean, low crime beach  More

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Starting to love Sarasota: Wife and I moved to Osprey- a small suburb between Sarasota and Venice. We're about 13 miles to downtown Sarasota, so not "city dwellers".   More

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As always, anyone considering moving to anyplace new, including Sarasota, needs to come down and spend a month or two before actually moving here. The city is overrun  More

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