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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Memphis, TN

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

10.4% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
28.6% 28.6% cheaper housing
5.2% 5.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.6% cheaper
Jacksonville
98
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 5.2% cheaper
Jacksonville
97
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% cheaper
Jacksonville
92
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 3.9% cheaper
Jacksonville
102
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index968610.4% less
Housing987028.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$95026.9% less
Median Home Price$310,000$165,00046.8% less
Groceries97925.2% less
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare92902.2% less
Utilities102983.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Memphis, TN
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
Median household income
Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Memphis 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 Memphis to maintain your Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacksonville or Memphis cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 28.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Memphis?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Memphis?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 compared to $48,000 in Memphis. 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 Memphis?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.