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Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

4.0% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
7.5% 7.5% 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 7.5% cheaper
Phoenix
106
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Phoenix
98
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Phoenix
101
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% cheaper
Phoenix
95
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 5.6% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index100964.0% less
Housing106987.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,300~Same
Median Home Price$370,000$310,00016.2% less
Groceries9897~Same
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare95923.2% less
Utilities1081025.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax2.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax5.60%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Jacksonville949,611

Moving from Phoenix to Jacksonville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix 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 7.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $20 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Jacksonville?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Florida averages 0.80%.