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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

11.1% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
10.9% 10.9% cheaper housing
8.5% 8.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.9% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 8.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 12.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 5.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1089611.1% less
Housing1109810.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,30013.3% less
Median Home Price$280,000$310,00010.7% more
Groceries106978.5% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1059212.4% less
Utilities1081025.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax3.07%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Jacksonville949,611

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 10.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Jacksonville?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Florida averages 0.80%.