How Much Does It Cost to Live in Jacksonville, FL?
Quick Summary: The cost of living in Jacksonville is 8% lower than the national average, with the biggest savings coming from housing, healthcare, and transportation. See how much utilities, groceries, and more cost in Jacksonville with our cost of living guide!
Considering moving to Jacksonville? One of the most affordable places to live in Florida, where many are moving, this coastal locale boasts incredible year-round weather, stunning outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts scene! Whether you're moving a short distance or relocating from across the country, ask movers questions before hiring, and use this helpful guide to see detailed Jacksonville cost of living statistics for housing, utilities, and more to better budget living in this city.
Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Jacksonville?
Despite being one of the best places to live near the ocean, the cost of living in Jacksonville is 8% lower than the national average. This is thanks to contributing factors like housing, healthcare, and transportation, which fall well below average costs. Discover the best ways to save on Jacksonville living expenses with these cost comparisons!
Cost of Living Categories | Jacksonville's Cost of Living Compared to National Averages |
Housing | 15.1% lower |
Utilities | 10.5% lower |
Transportation | 12.6% lower |
Healthcare | 15.8% lower |
Goods & Services | 4.6% lower |
Cost of Housing in Jacksonville
While the average rent in Jacksonville is a little higher, Jacksonville housing prices are a significant 26% lower than the U.S. average, which is why it's one of the best cities for real estate. Browse this real estate price comparison to decide whether you want to rent or buy in Jacksonville.
Item | Average Price in Jacksonville | National Average Price |
House Price | $384,019 | $518,961 |
Apartment Rent | $1,690 | $1,559 |
Cost of Utilities in Jacksonville (Monthly)
Monthly energy costs in Jacksonville are 17.5% lower than the national average, offering an opportunity for savings. However, phone service costs are 1.4% higher. A Jacksonville utility bill balances out, resulting in monthly expenses, which, depending on usage, fall close to or below average.
Item | Average Price in Jacksonville | National Average Price |
Energy | $171.09 | $207.40 |
Phone | $198.17 | $195.49 |
Cost of Groceries in Jacksonville
For the most part, the cost of groceries in Jacksonville aligns with the national average, give or take a few cents. Whether you're spending slightly more or less will depend on your home size and shopping habits. View this full breakdown of Jacksonville grocery prices for further information.
Item | Average Price in Jacksonville | National Average Price |
Steak | $15.62 | $15.52 |
Ground Beef | $6.99 | $7.04 |
Milk (½ Gallon) | $4.73 | $4.70 |
Eggs (Dozen) | $3.74 | $3.56 |
Bananas | $0.74 | $0.74 |
Bread | $4.26 | $3.95 |
Orange Juice | $4.63 | $4.50 |
Coffee | $5.47 | $5.57 |
Cost of Healthcare in Jacksonville
Healthcare offers some of the most significant savings opportunities while living in Jacksonville. To top it off, Jax is known as a world-class medical destination, as visiting a doctor, dentist, or optometrist costs much less than the national average—and is home to nationally-ranked Mayo Clinic-Florida, Baptist Medical Center-Jacksonville, and more top hospitals. Explore healthcare costs in Jacksonville with these price comparisons.
Item | Average Price in Jacksonville | National Average Price |
Doctor | $103.60 | $145.43 |
Dentist | $100.70 | $118.71 |
Optometrist | $96.02 | $131.82 |
Prescription Medication | $21.02 | $20.78 |
Cost of Transportation in Jacksonville
Although Jacksonville gas prices are a few cents higher than the national average, tire balancing is up to 46.5% lower, making a pronounced difference for the average commuter. View how Jacksonville transportation costs compare to the average.
Item | Average Price in Jacksonville | National Average Price |
Gasoline (1 Gallon) | $3.28 | $3.24 |
Tire Balance | $33.60 | $62.82 |
Cost of Goods & Services in Jacksonville
The overall cost of goods and services in Jacksonville is comparable to the national average, averaging out to nearly 5% lower. Some essentials, such as haircuts or ibuprofen, cost less than average, while movie tickets or beauty salon visits are priced higher. This comparison chart provides a more comprehensive look at how much goods and services cost in Jacksonville.
Item | Average Price in Jacksonville | National Average Price |
Toothpaste | $4.12 | $4.10 |
Shampoo | $1.69 | $1.54 |
Ibuprofen | $11.02 | $11.08 |
Haircut | $21.63 | $26.24 |
Movie Ticket | $12.61 | $12.52 |
Beauty Salon | $78.75 | $49.12 |
Hamburger Stand | $6.05 | $5.67 |
Pizza | $10.47 | $12.36 |
Beer | $11.01 | $10.21 |
Wine | $11.67 | $11.79 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good salary in Jacksonville?
A good salary in Jacksonville allows you to live comfortably and afford essentials; a single adult needs to earn roughly $48,476 to live comfortably in Jacksonville, while a family of four with two working adults would require $109,641 per year. These per-year salaries allow you to afford the city's more costly goods and services, as well as utilities. Affordable neighborhoods in Jacksonville, like Sandalwood, East Arlington, and North Beach, allow you to live more comfortably for less.
How much does it cost to get around Jacksonville?
Since gas costs stay comparable to the national average and tire balance costs are approximately 46.5% lower than average, getting around Jacksonville by car is a popular and relatively affordable option. However, there are several options for those looking to use public transportation in Jacksonville. A one-way trolley ride through Riverside and Avondale costs $1.50, while one-way bus fare throughout the greater Jacksonville area ranges from $0.75 to $1.75 per person. Plus, Jax one of the best cities for remote work, so if commuters wish to save even more money, there are plenty of remote employment opportunities!
Is Jacksonville a good place for snowbirds wanting to live in Florida?
Yes, Jacksonville is a great place for snowbirds wanting to live in Florida—as a retiree-friendly place to live with year-round warm weather, ocean recreation, top healthcare facilities, Jacksonville offers an affordable cost of living for snowbirds on a budget. Not only is the city an affordable northeast Florida locale, it also offers affordable high-quality healthcare and fantastic savings in real estate costs.
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Moving to Jacksonville? Extra Space Storage provides plenty of moving resources, and if you need storage during your home relocation, we have plenty of storage facilities located throughout Jacksonville. Find a storage unit near you!

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Quinn Johnson
Quinn Johnson is a moving expert and author for Extra Space Storage. He's moved over 15 times, including internationally, and helped countless others between their own homes. He's happy to lift some boxes for a friend as long as he's paid in pizza. As a writer and content creator for Extra Space Storage since 2019, Quinn shares helpful moving tips and info to alleviate the common stresses of moving.