Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Jacksonville, FL

Cost of Living: Austin, TX 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.

6.8% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
16.9% 16.9% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.9% cheaper
Austin
118
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 5.2% cheaper
Austin
97
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 3.0% more
Austin
99
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index103966.8% less
Housing1189816.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,30010.3% less
Median Home Price$425,000$310,00027.1% less
Groceries9697~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare97925.2% less
Utilities991023.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Jacksonville, FL
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
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 Austin lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Austin979,882
Jacksonville949,611

Moving from Austin to Jacksonville?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin 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

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Jacksonville vs Portland → Jacksonville vs Phoenix → Jacksonville vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin 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 16.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Jacksonville?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Austin to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 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 Austin vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Florida averages 0.80%.