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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN 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.

3.0% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
9.3% 9.3% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.3% cheaper
Nashville
108
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Nashville
95
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Nashville
93
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 5.2% more
Nashville
97
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index99963.0% less
Housing108989.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,3005.8% less
Median Home Price$395,000$310,00021.5% less
Groceries95972.1% more
Transportation9998~Same
Healthcare9392~Same
Utilities971025.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Jacksonville, FL
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Jacksonville949,611

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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 Nashville 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 9.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $80 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Jacksonville?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Nashville to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Florida averages 0.80%.