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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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
6.7% 6.7% cheaper housing
6.7% 6.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.7% cheaper
Chicago
105
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 6.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 14.0% cheaper
Chicago
114
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1079610.3% less
Housing105986.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,30023.5% less
Median Home Price$310,000$310,000~Same
Groceries104976.7% less
Transportation1149814.0% less
Healthcare1039210.7% less
Utilities101102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Jacksonville949,611

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 6.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Jacksonville?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $0. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Florida averages 0.80%.