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Cost of Living: Miami, FL 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.

20.0% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
33.8% 33.8% cheaper housing
9.3% 9.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 33.8% cheaper
Miami
148
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Miami
107
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Miami
112
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 12.4% cheaper
Miami
105
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Miami
103
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Miami, FL Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1209620.0% less
Housing1489833.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,100$1,30038.1% less
Median Home Price$550,000$310,00043.6% less
Groceries107979.3% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1059212.4% less
Utilities103102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Miami, FL Jacksonville, FL
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Miami, FL
$65,000
Median household income
Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Jacksonville outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Miami (120) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Miami4.0%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Miami3.0%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
MiamiTourism, Finance, Real Estate
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Miami30 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Miami78
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Miami35
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Miami77°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Miami449,514
Jacksonville949,611

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Miami 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 Miami 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 33.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Miami vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,100/month in Miami and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $800 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Miami or Jacksonville?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Miami to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Miami is $65,000 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 Miami vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Miami is $550,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $240,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Florida averages 0.80%.