Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Jacksonville is 43% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $42,922 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $570,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jacksonville scores 101 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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