The Real Cost of Living in Jacksonville

Are you wondering how much it will cost for you to live in Jacksonville, Florida? Follow along as we discuss the factors that play a role in what it costs to live in Jacksonville.

Relocating to a new area can bring a lot of questions to mind. One of the biggest questions people have about moving to a new city is how much it costs to live there. This is a guide to discuss in further detail what the cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida, is for the average resident.

It is essential to keep in mind that these are just average numbers, and what we consider affordable can be different for each person because of their own circumstances. 

Jacksonville, Florida, also known as 'Jax' or 'J-ville,' is one of the best places to relocate. If you love the outdoors and want to be surrounded by beautiful scenery, then you are likely considering moving to Jacksonville. It offers its residents a suburban feel and is one of the best cities to live in Florida. This city is safe and full of restaurants, parks, and various things to do.

This is the most populous city in the state, with nearly 912,000 residents. This large population makes Jacksonville the 12th most populous city in the United States. Not only is it a highly desirable place for its beauty and location, but it is also an affordable city to reside in.

Here are the factors that go into what makes up the cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida.

Overall Cost of Living

Before we break down the factors that go into the cost of living in Jacksonville, let's discuss the overall cost of living. This is calculated by comparing everything related to the cost of living, like housing, utilities, grocery, healthcare, transportation, and more.

The overall cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida, is 6 percent lower than the national average. For a city as big as Jacksonville, the fact that it is affordable is one of the main reasons why people choose to relocate to the area. 

Here are some statistics comparing Jacksonville's cost of living to other similar cities.

• The cost of living in Jacksonville is:
  • 1.4 percent lower than Tallahassee, Florida
  • 5.6 percent lower than Tampa, Florida
  • 10.1 percent lower than Orlando, Florida

Housing Cost

Housing costs are super important when relocating to any area. Whether you are considering moving to Jacksonville, or any other city, understanding how much it will cost you to pay for rent or buy a house in that specific city is necessary. For those who are specifically looking to move to Jacksonville, you will be happy to know that the housing expenses are 6 percent lower than the national average. 

If you are up-to-date with the current market, you are probably aware of the increase in prices in the housing market. The median sold price for a home in Jacksonville, Florida, is $295,249, a 9.3 percent increase since April of 2022. However, purchasing a home in Jacksonville is still cheaper than the national average.

Another thing to know about the real estate market in Jacksonville is that it is still in a seller's market. This means that homes tend to sell for higher prices and sell faster than usual. Even though they are in a seller's market, 55 percent of homes sold in April were sold under the asking price, and only 19 percent were sold over the asking price. 

If you would like to further discuss this with a professional or want to learn more about Jacksonville neighborhoods, contact us today to connect with a local Real Estate specialist.

Utilities

Utilities are one of those bills that you can't get away from paying whether you rent or own your home. Unfortunately, Jacksonville's utility prices tend to be more expensive. The average electric bill in Jacksonville, Florida, is around $224 a month, which adds up to a little over $2,600 a year. 

You can manage this bill and try to keep it as low as possible by being cautious of how much electricity you use throughout the day. Another solution is to also look into solar panels. 

When it comes to your monthly water bill, those bills tend to be higher in the warmer months. This is because of the increase in water usage to do extra activities like watering your plants, filling your pool, use of sprinkler systems for your lawn, etc. To understand more about the water rates in Jacksonville, Florida, visit JEA's website for more information. 

Transportation

Regarding transportation costs in Jacksonville, you will be pleased to know that the cost of transportation (including bus fares and fuel) is 17 percent lower than the national average.

The average gas price for regular fuel in Duval County is $3.54 per gallon. This is one of the cheapest counties in Florida to get gas if you frequently drive your personal vehicle. This is less than the Florida and national average of around $3.60. The northern counties are the cheapest parts of Florida to get gas, and the more expensive areas are the southern counties.

If your primary form of transportation is public transit systems, you are in luck. Jacksonville, Florida, has a handful of public transportation systems that go throughout the city. Here are a few of the main ones commonly used by residents.

• Jacksonville Transit Authority - Bus Lines:
  • A massive bus fleet with over 250 buses
  • Fares: Regular fare to ride this transit is $1.75, and for an express route, it is $2.75
  • Check out their website for passes and discounts
• The JTA Skyway:
  • 2.5 mile long monorail system
  • Five stations are located in downtown Jacksonville, and three are in the Southbank area
  • Fares: Free to ride
• ReadiRide:
  • On-call transportation service that connects eleven Jacksonville service areas with a ride when and where you need it
  • Fares: One-way $2 per person

Food and Groceries

Depending on how big your family is, food and grocery expenses can be one of your most significant monthly bills. Feeding yourself versus feeding a family of four is a huge difference, especially when food costs are high. However, living in Jacksonville, your grocery prices will be 2 percent lower than the national average.

Here are some of the most commonly purchased grocery items and how much they currently cost on average.

• $3.79 for a loaf of bread
• $2.38 for a gallon of milk
• $2.20 for a carton of eggs
• $3.29 for a bunch of bananas

You can budget your grocery costs by only purchasing what is necessary and shopping at discounted grocery stores in the area.

If you are in the Jacksonville area, check out the eleven best restaurants in Jacksonville, FL.

Healthcare

If you are the type of person who bases where you live off of their healthcare system, Jacksonville is the city for you. The cost of healthcare in this city is 17 percent lower than the national average. For those who visit doctors, dentists, etc., frequently, Jacksonville is super affordable in that aspect.

For an average doctor's visit, it is $103.18; for a dentist visit, it is $89.02; and for an optometrist visit, you will pay around $97.19. 

Not only is healthcare affordable in this city, but they also have some of the best hospitals right within town limits. According to Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville's Mayo Clinic has been ranked the best hospital in Florida by U.S. News and World Report. 

Income

Moving to a new city that has amazing job opportunities and suitable salary brackets is essential when deciding if you can live comfortably. In Jacksonville, the average annual household income is $79,817. And on the other hand, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $58,263. You can live comfortably in this city if you make anything between these salaries.

Some of the best companies to work for in Jacksonville, Florida, are Florida Blue, Avality, Citigroup, Fanatics, Winn-Dixie, Fidelity National Financial, and more. All of these jobs are typically always hiring all different positions. When finding a new job, it is important to keep an eye out daily for new job openings.

Taxes

The most significant thing people move to Florida for is the fact that there are no state income taxes. This is great for those who don't like seeing a large chunk of their paycheck go to state taxes every time they get paid. However, as we discussed earlier, you may not see it come out as "state income tax" on your paystub, but you will see increased prices in other areas to make up for it.

Sales taxes in Jacksonville is around the average of 7.5 percent. This comprises 6 percent Florida state sales tax and 1.5 percent Duval County sales tax. You will see this tax on the goods and services you purchase throughout the city.

Another tax rate to discuss is property taxes. The property tax rate in Tampa, Florida, is 0.85 percent of a property's assessed fair market value. The property taxes in Jacksonville are one of the highest median in the entire country. Duval County residents' average yearly property tax is about 2.41% of their annual income. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Jacksonville, FL

Pros:

• Overall, it is an affordable city
• Housing prices are low compared to the national average
• Transportation costs are affordable
• Tons of public transportation routes
• Food costs are lower than the national average
• Good and inexpensive healthcare
• Good job market

Cons:

• The housing market is still in a seller's market
• Utility expenses are higher than the national average
• Jacksonville is a highly populated area
• High property taxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about living in Jacksonville, Florida.

How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Jacksonville, Florida?

Everyone has a different version of living comfortably when it comes to income/finances. However, if you are a single resident living in Jacksonville, making around $35,000 annually before taxes, it is ideal to live comfortably. If you have a child, making around $62,000 will allow you to live comfortably in this city.

Is moving to Jacksonville, Florida, a good idea?

Yes, it is a great idea to relocate to Jacksonville, Florida. Not only is it an affordable city, but there is also plenty of beach access, a southern feel, and, best of all, the warm weather. 

Why is Jacksonville so cheap to live in?

The biggest reason behind Jacksonville being so affordable is the housing costs. These low housing prices significantly affect the overall cost of living, especially since paying a mortgage or rent is some people's highest monthly bill. 

Is it cheaper to live in Orlando than in Jacksonville?

No. The cost of living in Orlando is 10 percent more expensive than the cost of living in Jacksonville. Living in Orlando is more costly because it is one of the most touristy cities in the United States, with Disney World and Universal Studios being located there.

Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL - Our Final Words

When moving to a new city, it is important to understand how much it will cost to live there. For those who are looking to relocate to an affordable, big city, Jacksonville is the perfect area for that. We hope you found this guide to everything you need to know about the cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida, helpful. 

If you are considering moving to Jacksonville, Florida, contact us today to speak with a local Real Estate specialist to further guide you on buying and selling your home in the area.