Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Jacksonville, FL

Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

15.8% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
29.0% 29.0% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 29.0% cheaper
Portland
138
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 9.3% cheaper
Portland
108
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 14.0% cheaper
Portland
107
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 15.9% more
Portland
88
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1149615.8% less
Housing1389829.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,30016.1% less
Median Home Price$485,000$310,00036.1% less
Groceries103975.8% less
Transportation108989.3% less
Healthcare1079214.0% less
Utilities8810215.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax8.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Portland652,503
Jacksonville949,611

Moving from Portland to Jacksonville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 29.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Jacksonville?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Florida averages 0.80%.