Jacksonville, Florida has a cost of living approximately 5% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable major cities in Florida.
Quick Answer: Jacksonville Cost of Living
| Category | Jacksonville | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12% |
| Groceries | 101 | 100 | +1% |
| Utilities | 97 | 100 | -3% |
| Transportation | 98 | 100 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 97 | 100 | -3% |
Index: 100 = national average
Jacksonville Housing Costs
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,400-$1,900 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outside center) | $1,100-$1,450 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,700-$2,400 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (outside center) | $1,400-$1,800 |
| Median home price | $310,000 |
| Median rent | $1,400 |
Jacksonville Neighborhood Comparison
| Neighborhood | 1BR Rent | Median Home | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown/San Marco | $1,500-$2,000 | $400,000 | Walkable, river views |
| Riverside/Avondale | $1,400-$1,800 | $380,000 | Historic, artsy |
| Five Points | $1,300-$1,700 | $350,000 | Bohemian, nightlife |
| Beaches (Jax Beach, Neptune) | $1,600-$2,200 | $550,000 | Beach lifestyle |
| Ponte Vedra | $1,800-$2,500 | $750,000 | Upscale, golf |
| Mandarin | $1,300-$1,700 | $350,000 | Suburban, families |
| Southside | $1,400-$1,800 | $320,000 | Corporate, Town Center |
| Orange Park | $1,200-$1,500 | $280,000 | Affordable suburb |
Monthly Expenses Breakdown
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg) | $1,400 | $1,750 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $140 | $175 | $220 |
| Groceries | $380 | $650 | $960 |
| Transportation | $320 | $480 | $590 |
| Healthcare | $200 | $400 | $610 |
| Entertainment | $190 | $320 | $480 |
| Total | $2,630 | $3,775 | $4,960 |
Salary Needed to Live in Jacksonville
| Lifestyle | Single | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survival minimum | $38,000 | $55,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $88,000 | $110,000 |
| Living well | $80,000+ | $120,000+ | $155,000+ |
Jacksonville vs Other Florida Cities
| City | Cost Index | vs Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 95 | — |
| Tampa | 102 | +7% |
| Orlando | 100 | +5% |
| Miami | 123 | +29% |
| Fort Lauderdale | 115 | +21% |
| West Palm Beach | 110 | +16% |
| St. Petersburg | 105 | +11% |
Jacksonville Income and Employment
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income | $58,000 |
| Average salary | $55,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Top employer | Naval Air Station Jacksonville |
Top Industries in Jacksonville
| Industry | Major Employers |
|---|---|
| Finance | Bank of America, Deutsche Bank |
| Healthcare | Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health |
| Military | NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport |
| Logistics | JAXPORT, CSX |
| Insurance | Fidelity National, FIS |
Jacksonville Taxes
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Florida state income tax | 0% |
| City/county income tax | None |
| Sales tax | 7.5% (Duval County) |
| Property tax rate | 1.1% |
Is Jacksonville a Good Place to Live?
Pros:
- No state income tax
- Affordable for Florida
- Beach access
- Growing job market
- Mild winters
Cons:
- Hot, humid summers
- Hurricane risk
- Car-dependent (huge land area)
- Less cosmopolitan than Miami