City Comparison
Gainesville vs Tigard
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Gainesville scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Gainesville
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gainesville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Tigard.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gainesville's average rent is
19% lower than Tigard's.
| Metric | Gainesville | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,800 | -19% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $170 | $180 | -6% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,360 | $2,800 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tigard offers 11% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Gainesville delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gainesville is estimated at
$50,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Gainesville | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,417 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Gainesville runs warmer on average — a 70.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Gainesville comes out ahead with 243 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Gainesville sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Gainesville | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 70.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 47.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 243 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Gainesville scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gainesville | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gainesville is the larger city
— approximately 2.6x the population of Tigard.
From a growth perspective, Gainesville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Gainesville has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Gainesville | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 145,247 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.30% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 26.5 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gainesville
Advantages
Home to a major research university offering world-class educational and cultural events
Exceptional healthcare infrastructure anchored by UF Health Shands Hospital
Median home prices and rent are significantly lower than major Florida coastal metros
Abundant natural parks, oak-canopy roads, and nearby freshwater springs for outdoor enthusiasts
Thriving innovation district and growing biotech startup ecosystem supported by local grants
Drawbacks
Local economy and rental market experience significant seasonal fluctuations tied to the academic calendar
Poverty rates in certain student-dense census tracts appear artificially high relative to the broader population
Public transit options outside core student bus routes are limited, necessitating a personal vehicle
Hot and humid summer climate can be oppressive for residents unaccustomed to North Florida weather
Traffic congestion spikes noticeably during major university events like football game weekends
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Gainesville
#380Florida, USA
59.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
243/yr
Avg Temp
70.80°F
Pop. Growth
1.30%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
76
Business
70
Tigard
#505Oregon, USA
52.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Gainesville and Tigard.
Open Cost Calculator