Home › Compare › Jacksonville, FL vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Mesa, AZ

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

3.1% Mesa, AZ is more expensive overall
6.1% 6.1% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.1% more
Jacksonville
98
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Jacksonville
97
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% more
Jacksonville
92
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 3.9% more
Jacksonville
102
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index96993.1% more
Housing981046.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,2503.8% less
Median Home Price$310,000$365,00017.7% more
Groceries9797~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare92942.2% more
Utilities1021063.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Mesa, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Mesa outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Mesa to maintain your Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Mesa504,258

Moving from Jacksonville to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacksonville or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Jacksonville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Mesa?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Mesa?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. 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 Mesa?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Arizona averages 0.51%.