Are you considering a move to Jacksonville? Whether you’re drawn by the sunny weather, the affordable lifestyle, or the allure of living in a bustling city with a small-town feel, it’s important to consider the cost of living in Jacksonville, FL. The cost of living in a new city is always an essential factor when planning a move. It can impact your quality of life, financial planning, and overall happiness in your new home. We know how important this is. Premier Movers sat together and went through everything you need to know about the cost of living in Jacksonville, including housing, transportation, utilities, taxes, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of living in this vibrant city and be able to make an informed decision about your potential new home.
| Category | Jacksonville, FL | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent (all unit types) | $1,517/month | ~19% higher than Jacksonville |
| Groceries | ~5% above national average | National baseline |
| Homeowners insurance ($300K dwelling) | $3,512/year | $2,448/year |
| State income tax | None | Varies by state |
| Combined sales tax (Duval County) | 7.5% | Varies by state/locality |
Housing Cost in Jacksonville, FL:
The cost of living in Jacksonville, FL, specifically when it comes to housing, is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Florida. The Jacksonville housing market offers a range of options, from apartments to single-family homes, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Home Purchase:
As of late 2025 and early 2026, the median sale price of a home in Jacksonville is about $295,000, down roughly 2.5% year-over-year, with homes typically receiving 1 offer and selling in about 68 to 84 days. The market has cooled slightly compared to the tighter conditions of 2023 and 2024, which gives buyers a bit more negotiating room than they had two years ago.
Renting:
For renters, Jacksonville provides a wide range of choices. As of 2026, the average rent across all unit types is about $1,517 a month, with studios starting around $1,040, one-bedroom units averaging $1,336, and two-bedroom units averaging $1,585. Three-bedroom rentals run closer to $1,902 a month, and rents in Jacksonville overall sit roughly 19% below the national average.
Jacksonville’s population has grown by nearly 10% since 2020, one of the fastest growth rates of any major Florida metro, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates cited by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
What Do Homeowners Insurance and Property Taxes Cost in Florida?
Homeowners insurance is the cost that catches most new Florida residents off guard. Jacksonville homeowners pay an average of $3,512 a year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, according to 2026 insurance-market data — well above the national average of $2,448, though notably lower than the Florida statewide average of $5,599. Rates vary widely by home age and location: homes built after 2015 tend to carry significantly lower premiums than homes built before 2000.
The good news is the market is stabilizing for the first time in over a decade. Florida’s tort reform laws passed in 2022 and 2023 have reduced litigation-driven cost increases, and several major insurers have filed for rate reductions in 2025 and 2026. If you’re budgeting for a home purchase in Jacksonville, get an insurance quote on any property before you make an offer — a coastal-adjacent home and an inland home with the same price tag can carry very different annual premiums.
Daily Expenses in Jacksonville, FL:
The cost of daily expenses in Jacksonville is generally in line with the national average, with some minor fluctuations. Here’s a breakdown of what residents can expect to pay for various necessities:
Groceries:
- Grocery prices: about 5% above the national average
- Overall food costs: close to the national average
- Clothing costs: about 6% below the national average
- Entertainment and personal-care services: roughly 6% below the national average
Utilities:
For a moderate home using about 1,000 kWh a month, the electric-only portion of a JEA utility bill runs close to $170, based on current residential rates. Broadband internet from providers like AT&T Fiber or Xfinity typically runs $60 to $80 a month, and Jacksonville’s electricity rate itself — about 16 cents per kWh — runs roughly 23% below the national average.
Transportation:
- Transportation: Jacksonville is primarily a driving-first city
- Public transit: JTA bus service and the Skyway downtown
- City size: Duval County covers roughly 840 square miles
- Main transportation method: Most residents rely on a personal vehicle
- Gas prices: typically around $2.69–$3.00 per gallon in 2026
- Gas cost comparison: in line with or slightly below the national averag
Overall, the daily expenses in Jacksonville are relatively affordable.
Tax Rates and Unique Financial Considerations in Jacksonville, FL:
Understanding tax rates and any unique financial considerations is crucial when evaluating the cost of living in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville and the state of Florida have several tax rates and regulations that can impact an individual’s expenses and overall cost of living. Here’s an overview:
Sales Tax:
Jacksonville has a combined sales tax rate of 7.5% as of 2026. This rate is composed of the Florida state sales tax (6%), the Duval County sales tax (1.5%), and no special tax rates (0%). This means that when purchasing goods and services in Jacksonville, residents can expect to pay this sales tax rate on top of the listed price.
For the most current rate, check the Florida Department of Revenue’s official sales tax rate tables before you finalize any big purchases around your move.
Property Tax:
Property taxes in Jacksonville are assessed by the local government and are based on the value of the property. The millage rate, or the tax rate expressed in mills (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value), is set annually by the city. Property taxes can vary depending on the location and value of the real estate.
Income Tax:
Florida is one of the few states that does not levy a state income tax. This means that residents of Jacksonville do not pay state income tax on their earnings. However, they are still subject to federal income tax.
Other Considerations:
Jacksonville’s cost of living also varies meaningfully by neighborhood — a two-bedroom apartment in Mid-Westside or Brentwood can run several hundred dollars less per month than the same unit in Riverside or San Marco, so narrowing down a target neighborhood early makes budgeting far more accurate.
In summary, the tax rates and unique financial considerations in Jacksonville largely favor residents, with no state income tax and a competitive sales tax rate. These factors can significantly impact the overall cost of living Jacksonville, FL and make it a financially attractive place to live.
How Much Do You Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in Jacksonville?
Budgeting rules of thumb vary widely depending on lifestyle. MIT’s Living Wage Calculator puts the baseline cost of covering rent, food, and basic utilities for a single adult in the Jacksonville area at around $48,000 a year, or about $23 an hour, with no room for savings. Other 2026 studies estimate a single person needs closer to $97,000 a year to live comfortably under a standard 50/30/20 budgeting rule (needs, wants, savings). The truth for most people falls somewhere in between: Jacksonville’s median household income is $69,872, which comfortably covers the median rent and typical daily expenses for most households, especially with no state income tax eating into the paycheck.
How Does Jacksonville Compare to Other Cities?
Jacksonville tends to compare favorably against other Southeastern metro areas. Cost-of-living comparisons from 2026 show that living in Atlanta, GA runs roughly 5% higher overall than Jacksonville, driven mainly by housing costs (about 4% higher) and a significantly higher transportation cost (about 20% higher). If your move to Jacksonville is coming from a larger or more expensive Southeastern city, you can generally expect your monthly budget to stretch further here, particularly on housing and getting around.
Looking To Move In Jacksonville?
Jacksonville, FL, offers a compelling combination of affordable living and a high quality of life. With a competitive housing market, reasonable daily expenses, and attractive tax rates, it’s no wonder that many are considering a move to this vibrant city.
Once the numbers work for your budget, the next step is picking the right neighborhood. Our top things to do in Jacksonville guide is a good way to get a feel for different parts of town, and our is Jacksonville safe guide breaks down crime data by neighborhood so cost and safety can factor into the same decision. When you’re ready to put a number on your own move, get a free, no-obligation quote and we’ll help you plan the rest.
