A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
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 North Carolina National
Cost of living9896100
Groceries102100100
Health care10199100
Housing9388100
Transportation10299100
Utilities10199100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare100100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jacksonville, NC

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Jacksonville? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Jacksonville stands at 98, making it 2% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Jacksonville closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Jacksonville can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Jacksonville Affordable?

Is Jacksonville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Jacksonville, the median home price is 13.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 6.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Jacksonville boasting a median household income of $68,857, 15.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jacksonville?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Jacksonville, healthcare costs are 0.5% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Jacksonville cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 3% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 2% lower than the national average
  • Jacksonville housing is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Jacksonville

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Compare Jacksonville, NC Cost of Living

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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$92,252$7,688$2,152$2,768
      Renters$58,747$4,896$1,371$1,763
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Jacksonville, NC, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Jacksonville homeowners, is $92,252. This would allow for a maximum of $2,152 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $58,747 which would result in a maximum of $1,371 to be spent on rental costs.

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Maysville, NC1,024909.8%
      Half Moon, NC8,633964.2%
      Pumpkin Center, NC1,891973.1%
      Piney Green, NC14,825973.0%
      Richlands, NC2,975991.4%
      Jacksonville, NC76,345981.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cheektowaga, NY76,3951000.3%
      Appleton, WI76,203945.7%
      Schaumburg, IL76,16011414.5%
      Camden, NJ76,587964.4%
      Rochester Hills, MI76,61211717.4%
      Jacksonville, NC76,345981.5%
      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.