A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
22%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Jacksonville Alabama National
Cost of living9089100
Groceries9596100
Health care9595100
Housing7874100
Transportation9295100
Utilities9797100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9494100
Household Items9996100
Education & Childcare9293100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jacksonville, AL

Understanding the cost of living in Jacksonville can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Jacksonville cost of living index is 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Is Jacksonville Affordable?

Is Jacksonville an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Jacksonville, the median home price is 17.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 34% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Jacksonville come in at $62,838, which is 22.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jacksonville?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Jacksonville, the groceries index is 5.4% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Jacksonville cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 1% higher than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 10% lower than the national average
  • Jacksonville housing is 22% lower than the national average
  • Alabama general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Alabama state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Jacksonville

See all the best places to live around Jacksonville

Compare Jacksonville, AL Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$96,439$8,037$2,250$2,893
      Renters$31,198$2,600$728$936
      The affordability of the housing market in Jacksonville, AL as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Jacksonville homeowners, the median income is $96,439. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,250 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $31,198. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $728 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Alabama Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Alabama 4% 13.5%

      Alabama Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Alabama 2% 5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Spring Garden, AL175955.4%
      White Plains, AL555955.4%
      West End-Cobb Town, AL3,5717920.9%
      Hobson City, AL8098020.0%
      Gadsden, AL36,1468218.3%
      Jacksonville, AL13,1949010.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cornelius, OR13,19412121.1%
      Panama City Beach, FL13,19011616.0%
      South Sioux City, NE13,1878910.6%
      Fulton, MO13,1858911.2%
      Verde Village, AZ13,2031087.6%
      Jacksonville, AL13,1949010.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.