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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

26.2% Jacksonville, FL is cheaper overall
39.5% 39.5% 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 39.5% cheaper
Washington
162
Jacksonville
98
🛒 Groceries 10.2% cheaper
Washington
108
Jacksonville
97
🚗 Transportation 19.7% cheaper
Washington
122
Jacksonville
98
🏥 Healthcare 16.4% cheaper
Washington
110
Jacksonville
92
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Washington
105
Jacksonville
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Jacksonville, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1309626.2% less
Housing1629839.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,30040.9% less
Median Home Price$620,000$310,00050.0% less
Groceries1089710.2% less
Transportation1229819.7% less
Healthcare1109216.4% less
Utilities1051022.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Jacksonville, FL
State Income Tax10.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Jacksonville (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Jacksonville3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Jacksonville3.1%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Jacksonville26 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Jacksonville26
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Jacksonville36
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Jacksonville69°F
Population
Washington689,545
Jacksonville949,611

Moving from Washington to Jacksonville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 39.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Jacksonville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,300/month in Jacksonville — a difference of about $900 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Jacksonville?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Jacksonville?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Jacksonville?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $310,000 in Jacksonville — a difference of $310,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Florida averages 0.80%.