Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Jacksonville is 5% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $71,250 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) match Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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