Cheapest Neighborhoods in Jacksonville: 8 Budget-Friendly Areas for 2025

Jacksonville renters are getting a break in 2025 after years of steady increases in apartment prices. According to our latest research, the city’s rents are down year over year by approximately 2.3%. A combination of new construction, higher vacancy rates, and a general slowdown in demand has cooled rent prices this year in many outstanding neighborhoods. While Jacksonville neighborhoods near the Beaches and the riverfront remain in high demand, there are still plenty of affordable pockets for renters who know where to look.

We used our latest data to break down the cheapest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, using Apartment List’s verified July 2025 rent data. Whether you’re a remote worker, a recent grad, or someone looking to downsize, these neighborhoods deliver lower-than-average rent without sacrificing quality of life.

We’ll start with a quick rent snapshot, walk through our affordability methodology, and then profile four core affordable neighborhoods. We also included four bonus picks that offer serious value just above our budget cutoff.

In this guide, you’ll also find smart renter strategies, a breakdown of costs, and answers to FAQs to help you make your move.

Jacksonville Rent Snapshot

As of July 2025, the average rent across all unit types in Jacksonville is $1,668 per month, while one-bedrooms average $1,445 monthly. Our data places Jacksonville well below the national average of $2,117, making it one of the more affordable big cities in Florida. Jacksonville is also the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States.

Here’s a quick breakdown of average Jacksonville rents by unit size:

• Overall: $1,668
• Studio: $1,385
• One bedroom: $1,445
• Two bedrooms: $1,701
• Three or more bedrooms: $1,920

While trendy neighborhoods like Riverside and San Marco remain Jacksonville’s priciest, renters willing to look a few miles beyond the Urban Core can score bigger units, better deals, and even some new construction incentives and amenities.

Jacksonville Rental Outlook

Jacksonville’s growth hasn’t slowed much in the last few years. Remote workers relocating from pricier metro areas, retirees settling in, and first-time renters priced out of homeownership all contribute to the strong demand in Jacksonville. However, the supply is finally catching up, especially in Westside and Southside.

Rents are rising the fastest in neighborhoods with beach access, top-rated schools, or easy access to central job hubs. Thanks to an increase in the development and lease-up activity, renters have more power to negotiate their lease agreements and more opportunities to stretch their budget to the Jacksonville neighborhoods they prefer. “Lease-up” refers to the early stage of new buildings when managers offer waived fees or a month of free rent to fill units quickly.

Who Benefits from Budget Neighborhoods in Jacksonville?

Budget-friendly neighborhoods in Jacksonville aren’t just for renters watching their wallets. They also appeal to:

• Remote workers who want more space without premium pricing.
• Healthcare and service workers looking for proximity to Downtown or Southside.
• Students at the University of North Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Jacksonville University.
• Retirees who want to downsize without sacrificing comfort.
• Young families looking for a quiet, suburban feel at a reasonable cost.

Rents in the center of Jacksonville and the trendiest neighborhoods are still climbing, but these lower-cost alternatives offer a smart balance of price, space, and accessibility.

Florida Rent Check-In

Even with a growing supply, Jacksonville’s rental market remains competitive. Compared to other major metros in Florida, like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, Jacksonville remains the most affordable large city throughout the state. Here’s a breakdown of the data:

*Cost of living data is sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces.

Despite the demand, rental prices in Jacksonville vary dramatically by neighborhood. While some areas clock in near or above $1,600 for a one-bedroom, others sit $300 to $500 below that figure, which makes Jacksonville one of the few places in Florida where it’s still possible to find a deal on a great apartment.

Our Affordability Criteria

Price Thresholds and Rent Data

We used the following data and rules to identify Jacksonville’s cheapest neighborhoods:

• Average one-bedroom rent had to be at least 10% below the citywide average of $1,668. That puts our affordability cutoff at $1,499/month.
• All rent figures come from Apartment List’s July 2025 internal data, using verified listings across each neighborhood.

Quality-of-Life Filters

We didn’t just look at price points in our round-up of the cheapest neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Each budget neighborhood also had to meet a baseline for livability standards:

• On our approved list of safe, stable areas with ongoing rental activity.
• Reasonable access to Downtown or Southside job hubs.
• Walkable amenities, transit access, or proximity to retail corridors.
• Bonus points for neighborhoods with recent lease-up deals or spacious units.

Cheapest Neighborhoods in Jacksonville

Here’s a look at our budget picks and what to expect from each of these Jacksonville neighborhoods.

Core Budget Picks (under $1,499 per month)

These four neighborhoods offer the lowest average one-bedroom rents in the city while still delivering solid livability and location perks.

Arlingwood

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,174 (18.8% below city average)
• Commute: Around 15 to 20 minutes to Downtown or Southside by car, with access to bus lines and expressways
• Amenities: Quiet streets, large lots, older brick apartments, nearby shopping centers, and quick access to Jacksonville University
• Best for: Arlingwood is best for budget-minded renters who want maximum space and suburban calm near East Arlington

Arlington Hills

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,225 (15.2% below city average)
• Commute: 15 to 25 minutes to Downtown or Southside by car, with access to bus lines and expressways
• Amenities: Tree-lined residential roads, local schools, grocery stores, and parks nearby
• Best for: Arlington Hills is best for commuters, students, and small families who value convenience and quiet for a lower rent

Duclay

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,252 (13.4% below city average)
• Commute: 25 to 35 minutes to Downtown and 20 to 25 minutes to Southside by car, with access to bus lines and expressways
• Amenities: Easy access to Blanding Boulevard shopping, garden-style complexes, and mid-size apartment communities
• Best for: Duclay is a win for renters who want value, parking, and access to Westside jobs or the Jacksonville Naval Air Station

Baymeadows

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,422 (1.6% below city average)
• Commute: 25 minutes to Downtown and 10 minutes to Southside by car, with access to bus lines and expressways
• Amenities: Gated communities, retail plazas, dining, and proximity to corporate campuses
• Best for: Baymeadows is ideal for professionals and remote workers who want Southside access without paying Downtown rates

Honorable Mentions: Affordable Alternatives Just Above Our Cutoff

These four Jacksonville neighborhoods are just slightly above our $1,499 threshold, but they still offer great value, newer buildings, or excellent locations for discerning renters.

Windy Hill

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,525 (5.5% above city average)
• Commute: 15 to 20 minutes to both Downtown and Southside by car, with access to bus lines and expressways
• Amenities: In-unit laundry, pools, shopping centers, and newer complexes close to St. Johns Town Center
• Best for: Windy Hill is ideal for young professionals and families who want central access, modern amenities, and fast commutes

East Arlington

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,594 (10.3% above city average)
• Commute: 25 to 35 minutes to Downtown and 20 to 25 minutes to Southside by car
• Amenities: Larger apartments, newer construction, close to Intracoastal Waterway, parks, and schools
• Best for: East Arlington is a win for renters who want more square footage or a roommate-friendly floor plan near the Beaches

Greenland

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,618 (10.7% above city average) \ Commute: 25 to 30 minutes to Downtown, 10 to 20 minutes to Southside hospitals by car
• Amenities: Well-kept developments, top-rated elementary schools, and easy highway access
• Best for: Greenland attracts families, healthcare workers, and renters who want a suburban feel with low maintenance

Deercreek

• Average neighborhood rent (2025): $1,637 (13.3% above city average)
• Commute: 20 to 25 minutes to Downtown and 10 minutes to Southside by car
• Amenities: Spacious layouts, upscale finishes, newer construction, and quiet cul-de-sacs
• Best for: Deercreek is perfect for renters with flexible budgets who prioritize space, peace, and proximity to the Southside

Smart Search Tactics on Apartment List

Finding an affordable apartment isn’t just about luck; you also need to use the right filters. When you log onto Apartment List, use:

• Commute-time filters to limit your search to neighborhoods within 45 minutes of work or school.
• Budget sliders to cap your monthly rent (try setting alerts at $1,499).
• Stack filters like “in-unit laundry,” “pet-friendly,” and “gated” to cut through listings that don’t match your needs.

Setting custom alerts is especially helpful in today’s market. You’ll get notified the second a match pops up, which is critical for budget-friendly units, which tend to go fast.

Budgeting Hacks Beyond Rent

Even with a good deal on rent, remember that you need to keep other housing costs in check to stretch your budget a little further. Try these tips:

• Split utilities or internet with roommates.
• Choose units with ceiling fans and energy-efficient appliances to lower power bills.
• Look for apartments with full kitchens so you can cook more and eat out less.
• Unplug electronics and turn off the AC when away. Florida summers can spike your energy bill fast.
• Share two-bedroom units with a roommate to cut housing costs by up to 40% per person.

Lease Timing and Negotiation Tips

The best time to score a deal in Jacksonville is between November and February, when vacancies rise and landlords are more flexible. Ask about:

• Lease-up incentives: You might score a free month, waived fees, or move-in bonuses, especially in new builds.
• Flexible lease terms: Opting for a longer lease might help reduce your monthly rent.
• Pet fee waivers or reduced deposits: If you have good credit or a strong rental history, you might be able to save even more.

Bring some recent comps of the latest rents and nearby apartments from Apartment List to your lease meeting. Your savvy strategy shows you’ve done your homework and makes your negotiation more likely to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville’s Cheapest Neighborhoods

How fast are rents rising in Jacksonville?

Rents in Jacksonville fell about 2.3% year over year in 2025, faster than the national average. So, if you’re a renter looking to score a deal in one of these budget neighborhoods, now is the time to look.

Are income-restricted apartments available in these areas?

Yes. Some of these neighborhoods include low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) properties or accept Section 8 vouchers. You can check with the Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority for programs in your ZIP code.

Can I live car-free in these areas?

You can live in some parts of Jacksonville without a car. Baymeadows, Windy Hill, and parts of Arlington have decent Jacksonville Transportation Authority coverage, but Jacksonville is still car-centric. If you're car-free, focus on areas near Beach Boulevard or Southside.

What’s the average commute from these budget areas?

Most neighborhoods on this list are 25 to 40 minutes from Downtown by car. Transit times are often longer, so proximity to major roads like Interstate 295 and Beach Boulevard matters.

How much space can I expect?

One-bedroom units in these neighborhoods range from 650 to 850 square feet, depending on the building’s age and amenities.

When’s the best time to move?

Try to move in late fall or early winter (November through February) for the best deals. Landlords are also more willing to offer perks when demand dips.

What’s the 30% rule, and should I follow it?

The 30% rule recommends spending no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent and utilities. It’s a solid baseline, though Jacksonville renters often stretch closer to 35%. Stick close to 30% when possible for long-term flexibility.

Will rents go up again in 2026?

After falling 2.3% year-over-year, rents may go back up in 2026, but it depends. As new construction slows, prices could tick back up, especially in Southside and around the Beaches. If you find a good deal now, it may be worth locking in a longer lease.