2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Mateo, CA vs Gainesville, FL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Gainesville or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- Gainesville is 63.1% less expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Gainesville or San Mateo?
- Gainesville housing costs are 85.4% less expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in Gainesville.
- Health related expenses are 8.3% less in Gainesville.
 San Mateo, CAGainesville, FLUnited States
 Overall  Unlock92.2100
 Food & Groceries116.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock107.6100
 Housing537.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$271,700$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.5100
 Miscellaneous161.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 16 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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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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