Alachua, FL vs New Smyrna Beach, FL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alachua is 19.7% cheaper than New Smyrna Beach. With a cost index of 92 vs 114, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alachua to New Smyrna Beach should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alachua is $1,132/month compared to $1,638/month in New Smyrna Beach — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alachua is more affordable at $285,700 median vs $365,900.

Median household income in Alachua is $78,526 compared to $78,373 in New Smyrna Beach (+0.2%). Alachua offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alachua spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in New Smyrna Beach.