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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

28.9% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
43.0% 43.0% cheaper housing
11.8% 11.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 43.0% cheaper
Boston
172
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 11.8% cheaper
Boston
110
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 20.0% cheaper
Boston
115
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 8.9% cheaper
Boston
112
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1359628.9% less
Housing1729843.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,30050.0% less
Median Home Price$700,000$310,00055.7% less
Groceries1109711.8% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1159220.0% less
Utilities1121028.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax9.00% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Boston675,647
Jacksonville949,611

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston 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 43.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $1,300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Jacksonville?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $390,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Florida averages 0.80%.