Cost of Living in Jacksonville

The cost of living in Jacksonville is affordable. It is one of the lowest in Florida and consistently below the national average. Housing and healthcare are the biggest savings; home and car insurance are the biggest expenses.

When weighing up a move to Jacksonville, you should consider several factors as you draw up a budget. These include the cost of accommodation, transport options, healthcare expenses, lifestyle choices, and, if you have children, the cost of schooling. This should all be weighed against your earning potential and the expenses of physically relocating, which can be a costly exercise in itself.

Cost of accommodation in Jacksonville

Most people relocating to Jacksonville rent for a while before they find their feet. The city has a strong rental market, so buying a place can be a sound investment too.

Housing prices are generally lower in Jacksonville than the national and Florida state averages. The standard of accommodation is high, so new arrivals are bound to get good value for money. As Florida is a hurricane and flood-prone region, home insurance costs in the state are among the highest in the country, and often the highest, so build this into your budget.

Renting Accommodation in Jacksonville

Cost of transport in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the continental US, so it is spread out. Public transport in Jacksonville is cheap, especially if you buy a STAR Card, and the transit authority is rolling out contactless tap-to-pay fares. The bus network is limited beyond the city centre, though, so most long-term residents drive.

As is the case throughout Florida, cars are reasonably priced. Petrol (gas) prices are broadly in line with the national average, and sometimes a little above it. Residents cover long distances day to day, so fuel costs add up. Car insurance is a different story. Florida is among the most expensive states in the country for car insurance premiums, so factor this into your transport budget.

Public Transport and Driving in Jacksonville

Cost of groceries in Jacksonville

The cost of groceries in Jacksonville is broadly in line with the national average, or a touch above. You’ll pay more for imported and luxury goods, and less if you stick to local and store brands.

Buying local and seasonal produce is another good way to trim your weekly grocery bill. Jacksonville is a coastal city, so seafood is more affordable here.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Jacksonville

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Jacksonville can be as high or as low as you want. If you like to splurge, the city has plenty of fine dining restaurants, wine bars, cocktail lounges, and craft breweries. If you’d rather watch the budget, there is plenty to see and do without breaking the bank.

Spending a day with family and friends on one of Jacksonville’s famous beaches is a popular low-cost activity. Holidaymakers travel from all over for a bit of Florida sun, and Jacksonville residents have it on their doorstep. The weather is sunny year round, so you can hike or bike the trails, or explore one of the city’s many parks and gardens, all at no cost.

Shopping, Nightlife and Culture in Jacksonville

Cost of education in Jacksonville

Whether you send your child to a public or private school makes a big difference in what you’ll pay for education in Jacksonville. The city has plenty of both, so parents have a real decision to make.

Public school costs next to nothing, whereas private schools charge fees. These tend to be high, and schools raise them as your child moves up the grades. If you choose private, budget for extras such as uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities, and field trips.

Education and Schools in Jacksonville

Cost of healthcare in Jacksonville

Jacksonville has several excellent hospitals, and the top-ranked Mayo Clinic Florida is chief among them. The cost of healthcare here is well below the national average, one of the city’s biggest savings. It will still be steep, though, if you are moving from a country with free or heavily subsidised public healthcare.

Whether you are moving from abroad or from elsewhere in the USA, take time to research health insurance schemes. Plenty of competitive packages are available, but you’ll need to find a policy that suits your family’s health needs and your monthly budget.

If you are moving to Jacksonville for a job, try to negotiate a health insurance contribution as part of your employment contract. It can save you a significant amount.