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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

2.0% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
5.8% 5.8% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.8% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Raleigh
96
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 4.1% more
Raleigh
98
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index9896~Same
Housing104985.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,3003.7% less
Median Home Price$385,000$310,00019.5% less
Groceries9797~Same
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare100928.0% less
Utilities981024.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax4.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Jacksonville949,611

Moving from Raleigh to Jacksonville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 5.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Jacksonville?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $75,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Florida averages 0.80%.