Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Jacksonville, FL (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Jacksonville

Florida
92

Austin is 46% more expensive than Jacksonville.

$1,655/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,375/mo ↓ 17%
$91,461/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$66,981/yr ↓ 27%
$512,700 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$266,100 ↓ 48%
$1,747/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,324/mo ↓ 24%
967,862
Population
961,739

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Jacksonville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 92 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $24,480/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $266,100 in Jacksonville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Jacksonville — common questions

Is Austin or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Jacksonville?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Jacksonville it's $1,375/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $66,981 in Jacksonville. Median household income is $24,480/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Jacksonville?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with rent of $1,375/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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