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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Cincinnati, OH

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

4.2% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
18.4% 18.4% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.4% cheaper
Jacksonville
98
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Jacksonville
97
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Jacksonville
92
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 3.9% cheaper
Jacksonville
102
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index96924.2% less
Housing988018.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,05019.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$215,00030.6% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities102983.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Cincinnati, OH
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to maintain your Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Jacksonville to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacksonville or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?+
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Cincinnati?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Jacksonville to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 compared to $58,000 in Cincinnati. 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 Jacksonville vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Ohio averages 1.41%.