Home › Compare › Jacksonville, FL vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Tucson, AZ

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

5.2% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
14.3% 14.3% 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 14.3% cheaper
Jacksonville
98
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Jacksonville
97
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Jacksonville
92
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Jacksonville
102
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index96915.2% less
Housing988414.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,00023.1% less
Median Home Price$310,000$270,00012.9% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare9292~Same
Utilities102104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Tucson, 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
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson 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 Tucson to maintain your Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Tucson542,629

Moving from Jacksonville to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacksonville or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Tucson?+
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 Tucson?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. 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 Tucson?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Arizona averages 0.51%.