Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL [2025]

Though it is Florida’s largest city, Jacksonville offers a cost of living that’s 7.2% lower than the state average and 4.3% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable big cities in the U.S. Jacksonville sits along the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River, offering a coastal lifestyle with a Southern feel. Known for its sprawling park system, beach access, and no state income tax, it’s an increasingly attractive option for renters relocating from other parts of Florida and the U.S.

Whether you're drawn to Jacksonville for its job market, warm weather, or affordable lifestyle, it’s important to understand what your living expenses might look like. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Jacksonville and how it compares to state and national averages.

What Is the Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL?

According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, Jacksonville has a Cost of Living Index score of 95.7, meaning it is 4.3% lower than the national average and 7.2% cheaper than the Florida average. While home prices have risen, Jacksonville’s housing costs remain lower than both Florida’s median and the national median.

Renters benefit from relatively affordable two-bedroom prices, no state income tax, and manageable utility and transportation costs.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest cost-of-living scores:

The Jacksonville neighborhood you live in will significantly affect your monthly budget. Waterfront areas, Downtown high-rises, and new luxury developments tend to have higher price points than suburban or inland neighborhoods.

Note: We used internal data and cross-referenced with neighborhood data from BestPlaces.net, RentCafe.com, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Numbeo.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Jacksonville as of August 2025.

Lowest Cost of Living in Jacksonville

For renters looking to save, nearby cities and neighborhoods like Arlington Hills, Normandy Manor, and Oceanway offer much lower prices. For example, in areas like Ortega Hills, rents start as low as $950 for a one-bedroom. Some of the city’s cheapest listings come in under $1,000 per month.

Highest Cost of Living in Jacksonville

Some of Jacksonville’s most expensive neighborhoods include San Marco, Deerwood, and Southbank. In Southbank, the average rent for apartments is $1,791 monthly. This riverfront area offers high-rise living, skyline views, and walkable access to Downtown.

San Marco, known for its historical backdrop and boutique shopping, sees overall rent averaging $1,707 per month. Its central location and tree-lined streets make it popular with professionals and couples.

Deerwood is another high-cost area, with overall rent averaging $1,797. Located near St. Johns Town Center, it appeals to families and commuters looking for space, safety, and convenience.

These neighborhoods offer premium amenities and location advantages but come at a rent price well above Jacksonville’s citywide average of $1,668.

How Much Is Rent in Jacksonville?

As of July 2025, the average overall rent in Jacksonville is $1,668, down 0.6% month over month and 2.3% year over year.

How Much Is Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment?

According to Apartment List’s July 2025 data, the average rent for a one-bedroom is $1,445, and the median is $1,109. While prices declined slightly earlier this year, they’ve increased 1.0% year to date, indicating moderate rent growth.

How Much Is Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment?

If you're looking for more space, a two-bedroom unit costs $1,445 on average. Larger households may prefer the value of three-bedroom units, which average $1,920.

What Is the Average Rent in Jacksonville, FL?

The average monthly rent in Jacksonville stands at $1,668, according to the latest Apartment List data from July 2025. This figure is approximately 20.6% lower than the national average of around $2,102 per month, making Jacksonville a relatively affordable rental market.

The typical breakdown by unit size includes $1,385 for studios, $1,445 for one-bedrooms, and $1,701 for two-bedrooms. Three-bedroom units average about $1,920 per month, depending on neighborhood and amenities.

This average aligns well with the citywide median rent of $1,319, confirming consistency across data sources. In short, renters in Jacksonville can expect to pay roughly $1,300 to $1,400 per month for average apartments, with wide variation based on location, size, and property type.

How Much Is Housing in Jacksonville?

Homeownership in Jacksonville is still slightly more affordable than in other major Florida cities. The median home price is $280,200, well under Florida’s statewide median of $362,400 and comfortably below the national average of $338,100.

While prices have increased in recent years, Jacksonville still offers better value than hot markets like Miami and Tampa, making it a reasonable entry point for some first-time buyers, especially those moving from pricier cities.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Jacksonville?

Using the standard 30% rule, if your rent is at the median of $1,109 for a one-bedroom apartment in Jacksonville, your gross monthly income should be at least $3,697, which equates to about $44,364 per year or $21.33 per hour. If you're paying closer to the average one-bedroom rent of $1,445, you'd need to earn about $4,817 per month—about $57,804 per year or $27.79 per hour—to stay within that rule.

The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates the living wage for a child-free single adult in Jacksonville at $23.31 per hour, or $48,485 per year, to remain above the poverty line. This covers bare essentials like housing, food, and transportation, but not luxuries or debt repayment.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Jacksonville’s median household income is $68,069, or about $5,672 per month—well above the minimum needed to afford median rent under the 30% rule.

How Much Is Transportation in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is a car-dependent city, which increases the average cost of getting around. According to MIT data, a single adult pays about $10,060 per year in transportation costs, or about $838 per month. A family of two working adults and two children will spend approximately $16,874 a year, or $1,406 monthly.

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) public options include bus lines, the Skyway monorail, and seasonal ferry services:

The Skyway is a 2.5-mile monorail system that is free to use in Jacksonville’s Urban Core. Other options include Uber, Lyft, and car rentals, but many households rely on personal vehicles due to the city's large geographic footprint.

How Much Is Food in Jacksonville?

The cost of groceries and dining in Jacksonville is moderate. MIT estimates that a single adult without children spends $4,561 per year on food, or about $380 per month. A family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to spend $13,368 per year.

According to Numbeo:

• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $20 per person.
• A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs $90.
• A gallon of milk costs $3.99.
• A dozen eggs cost $4.74.
• A chicken breast (one pound) costs $3.95.

How Much Are Healthcare Costs in Jacksonville?

Healthcare costs vary based on insurance coverage and lifestyle, but MIT data shows the annual average for one adult without children is $2,767. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, it jumps to $9,183 per year.

Jacksonville has several major healthcare systems, including Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, and University of Florida Health. Most residents use employer-sponsored insurance or Florida’s ACA marketplace to help manage costs.

How Much Are Utilities in Jacksonville?

According to Apartment List data, Jacksonville’s average monthly utility bill is about $211.72, which includes electricity, gas, water, fuel, and miscellaneous expenses.

Add in internet and a mobile phone plan, which are estimated to cost $60.36 and $42.57, respectively, and your monthly utility total lands closer to $315.

Jacksonville Fitness and Entertainment

Fitness and recreation in Jacksonville are accessible and affordable for most residents. According to Numbeo, a typical gym membership runs about $32.50 per month, while movie tickets average $14, excluding concessions. The city also offers an impressive selection of over 400 parks, along with golf courses, riverwalks, and outdoor trails that support an active lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Popular destinations like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, the Riverside Arts Market, and Friendship Fountain provide weekend entertainment and community gathering spots. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring a local festival, or enjoying public green spaces, Jacksonville delivers a wide range of low-cost and free recreational options.

Other Expenses to Consider in Jacksonville

Florida has no state income tax—a major perk for many residents. Jacksonville’s combined sales tax is 7.50% (6.00% state tax and 1.5% local tax), and at 0.83%, property taxes are 0.07% lower than the national average.

If you’re moving from out of state, plan for:

• Application fees and security deposits.
• Moving expenses (truck rental, gas, hotels).
• Pet deposits.
• Furniture.
• Utility startup costs.

Check out our guides to moving out of state and budgeting for your first apartment to avoid surprises.

Job Market in Jacksonville

Jacksonville has a strong and diverse job market with major industries, including healthcare, finance, and logistics. Top employers in the area include Mayo Clinic, Baptist Medical Center, CSX Transportation, Florida Blue, and the city of Jacksonville.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Jacksonville unemployment rate hovers around 4.2% as of June 2025, which is the same as the national unemployment rate. Entry-level opportunities are widely available in healthcare, administration, and customer service, while the city is also seeing steady growth in tech and finance roles, making it an appealing destination for both new graduates and experienced professionals.

Find an Apartment in Jacksonville, FL

If you’re looking for an affordable Florida city with beach access and no income tax, Jacksonville delivers. The cost of living in Jacksonville is well below the national average, rent is moderate, and jobs are available in a variety of sectors.

Ready to explore Jacksonville apartments? Take the Apartment List quiz to get matched with listings that fit your lifestyle and budget, or browse verified rentals in Jacksonville to find your next home. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL

How expensive is it to live in Jacksonville, Florida?

According to Sperling’s Best Places, Jacksonville is below the national average for affordability. However, rent, housing, and transportation costs are lower than in many major U.S. cities, like Miami. For example, the Miami-Dade County area’s cost of living is 18.9% higher than the national average. The cost of living in Florida also benefits from having no state income tax.

As of July 2025, the median rent for a one-bedroom Jacksonville apartment is $1,109, and overall monthly living expenses for a single adult without children average around $3,000, including housing, utilities, food, and transportation.

What is a good salary to live in Jacksonville?

For a single adult without children, a good salary in Jacksonville is $58,000 or more per year. This comfortably covers the average rent, bills, and essential expenses of living in a one-bedroom apartment while leaving some room for savings or extras.

How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Jacksonville, Florida?

As of July 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jacksonville is $1,445. This is lower than both the Florida average and the national average ($1,757), making Jacksonville a relatively affordable city for renters seeking solo living.

Is Jacksonville cheaper than Miami and Tampa?

Yes, Jacksonville is significantly cheaper than Miami and more affordable than Tampa. Jacksonville’s average overall rent ($1,668) is nearly $1,600 less than Miami’s ($3,248), and home prices are lower. You'll also save on everyday expenses like groceries, parking, and utilities.

What’s the average cost of utilities in Jacksonville?

The average utility bill in Jacksonville is about $212 per month, based on electricity, gas, water, and fuel costs. Adding internet and mobile service brings the total to approximately $315 monthly, depending on the provider and usage.

How much do I need to make to afford rent in Jacksonville?

The MIT living wage for a child-free single adult is $48,485 annually, but this estimate only keeps a resident above the poverty line. You’ll need closer to $58,000 to afford the average one-bedroom rent under the 30% rule. Households with higher expenses, additional family members, or debt may need a higher annual salary.

Is Jacksonville a good place to live for remote workers or families?

Yes, Jacksonville is a great choice for remote workers and families thanks to its low cost of living, high-speed internet availability, and access to parks, beaches, and suburban space. Many neighborhoods offer large units or homes at prices well below national averages.

What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Jacksonville?

Some of the most affordable areas include Arlington Hills, Normandy, Oceanway, and Duclay, where one-bedroom apartments can start as low as $1,000. These areas offer solid value with access to schools, transit options, and local shopping centers.