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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Jacksonville, FL

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

10.3% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
14.0% 14.0% cheaper housing
4.9% 4.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.0% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 10.1% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 9.8% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 3.0% more
Atlanta
99
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1079610.3% less
Housing1149814.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,30021.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$310,00018.4% less
Groceries102974.9% less
Transportation1099810.1% less
Healthcare102929.8% less
Utilities991023.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax5.39%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Jacksonville costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Jacksonville to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Jacksonville949,611

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Jacksonville → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Jacksonville →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?+
Jacksonville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Jacksonville?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $63,000 in Jacksonville. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Florida averages 0.80%.