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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Louisville, KY

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

4.2% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
16.3% 16.3% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.3% cheaper
Jacksonville
98
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 2.1% cheaper
Jacksonville
97
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% more
Jacksonville
92
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Jacksonville
102
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index96924.2% less
Housing988216.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,00023.1% less
Median Home Price$310,000$225,00027.4% less
Groceries97952.1% less
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare92942.2% more
Utilities102100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Louisville, KY
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.00%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
Median household income
Louisville, KY
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Louisville 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 Louisville to maintain your Jacksonville lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Louisville633,045

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacksonville or Louisville cheaper to live in?+
Louisville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 16.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Louisville?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Kentucky has a state income tax of 4.00% 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 Jacksonville to Louisville?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 compared to $60,000 in Louisville. 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 Louisville?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.