The cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the lowest in the state. It is the most populous city in Florida and Southeastern USA. By 2017, the population was 892,062 though the metropolitan area houses 1,523,615 people.
In a recent data analysis of living costs in the country’s 75 biggest cities, Jacksonville was ranked 51. Jacksonville’s average monthly expenses are $1,677, putting it only a few dollars over Plano, Texas, and cheaper than Columbus, Ohio, and Colorado Springs.
Though living in Jacksonville will cost you 5% lower than the national average, this depends on the neighborhood you choose. In 2020, the city has experienced a 1.5% increase in prices. The widest margins were in Housing, transportation, and food.
Breakdown of Cost of Living in Jacksonville
Housing
Housing costs in the city are 11% lower than the national average. The median home price is $202,000, while renters will pay an average of $969.60 monthly. A 966sq. ft apartment will cost $1,150 currently, a 3% increase from a year ago.
Rentals are quite easy to come by. The most affordable neighborhoods in the city include Phoenix, Longbranch, and Fairfield. Rents there all go for $638 monthly. Excellent deals can also be found at Springfield, Tallyrand, and 29th & Chase, which cost between $680 – $695 per month.
Renters looking for a popular neighborhood can check out Cecil Field, where the average rent is $1,368. Chimney Lakes ($1,083/mo), Baymeadows ($1,227/mo), East Arlington ($1,190/mo) and Windy Hill ($1,338) are also great picks. They are also cheaper than Del Rio, Greenland, and Mixon Town, which go for about $1,440 each month.
Transportation
Transportation in Jacksonville is 3% less expensive than the national average. Though the public transport network is comprehensive, for a city of this size, it is difficult to do without a car. The typical Jacksonville household has two cars, and the average commute time is 24 minutes.
After seven years with no increase in rates, in 2019, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority increased nearly all fares. A single-trip on fixed bus routes cost $1.75 while a whole day’s pass is $4.50.
ReadiRide to and fro a JTA stop costs $2 while ferries for cars go for $7 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. Getting a motorcycle on the ferry and pedestrian fares are $6 and $1, respectively. In a month, public transportation will cost $50.
Food
In Jacksonville, food is considered affordable. A pound of apples is $2.36, a loaf of bread is $3.34, a carton of eggs $1.82, and a gallon of milk is $3.58. Prices are about the same as the national average.
Utilities
Jacksonville utilities cost 8% less than the national average. Electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage for one person in a 914.9 sq. ft apartment is about $150/mo. Since the weather is warm and humid, residents might need air conditioning during summers all the time.
