A
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
8%
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 Florida National
Cost of living108102100
Groceries104102100
Health care107104100
Housing10897100
Transportation108103100
Utilities116110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment112104100
Household Items105102100
Education & Childcare109106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL

Knowing the cost of living in Jacksonville allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Jacksonville stands at 108, marking it 8% higher than the national average.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Jacksonville are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Jacksonville can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Jacksonville Affordable?

Is Jacksonville affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Jacksonville, for instance, where the median home price falls 5.1% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 13.6% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Jacksonville flaunting a median household income of $84,241, 3.6% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jacksonville?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Jacksonville, healthcare costs are 6.9% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Jacksonville, the utilities index registers 15.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Jacksonville are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 6% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 8% higher than the national average
  • Jacksonville housing is 8% higher than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% 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, FL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$108,584$9,049$2,533$3,258
      Renters$62,174$5,181$1,451$1,865
      The affordability of the housing market in Jacksonville, FL 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 $108,584. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,533 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $62,174. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,451 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Florida 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace, FL15,6171000.4%
      Nassau Village-Ratliff, FL4,9521043.7%
      Lakeside, FL32,1671043.8%
      Orange Park, FL8,9841065.5%
      Oakleaf Plantation, FL29,17911615.5%
      Jacksonville, FL934,7521088.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fort Worth, TX926,3711032.9%
      Columbus, OH914,920973.5%
      Charlotte, NC903,22811010.2%
      Indianapolis, IN899,521936.6%
      San Francisco, CA898,133245145.5%
      Jacksonville, FL934,7521088.0%
      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.