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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Jacksonville, FL

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

29.4% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
44.9% 44.9% cheaper housing
11.8% 11.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 44.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 11.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 21.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 17.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1369629.4% less
Housing1789844.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,30048.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$310,00064.8% less
Groceries1109711.8% less
Transportation1259821.6% less
Healthcare1129217.9% less
Utilities1051022.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Jacksonville949,611

Moving from Los Angeles to Jacksonville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?+
Jacksonville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 44.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $1,200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Jacksonville?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Los Angeles to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $63,000 in Jacksonville. 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 Los Angeles vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $570,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Florida averages 0.80%.