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Cost of Living in Jacksonville

Is it better to rent or buy in Jacksonville? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$48,438
$771/mo

Median in area: $771

$91,800

Median in area: $91,800

$18,360

If you Rent

$978 /mo
Base Rent$771
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income24.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,059

If you Buy

$849 /mo
P&I (7.081%)$493
Taxes & Ins$149
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income21.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,188

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Jacksonville?

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Jacksonville. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $978, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $849 per month (a difference of $129).

How much do utilities cost in Jacksonville?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Jacksonville is approximately $207. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Jacksonville?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Jacksonville without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $39,120 per year.