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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

22.6% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
37.2% 37.2% cheaper housing
10.2% 10.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.2% cheaper
Seattle
156
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 10.2% cheaper
Seattle
108
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Seattle
118
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 16.4% cheaper
Seattle
110
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 12.1% more
Seattle
91
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1249622.6% less
Housing1569837.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,30036.6% less
Median Home Price$780,000$310,00060.3% less
Groceries1089710.2% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1109216.4% less
Utilities9110212.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Jacksonville, FL
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Jacksonville949,611

Moving from Seattle to Jacksonville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 37.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Jacksonville?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $470,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Florida averages 0.80%.