Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Jacksonville is 7% more affordable than Nashville. A $75,000 salary in Nashville is equivalent to $69,853 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 · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Nashville sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $380,000 in Nashville, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,600 in Nashville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jacksonville scores 101 while Nashville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Nashville (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $59,828 in Nashville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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