Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Jacksonville, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Jacksonville

Florida
92

Chicago is 9% more expensive than Jacksonville.

$1,380/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,375/mo ≈ Same
$75,134/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$66,981/yr ↓ 11%
$315,200 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$266,100 ↓ 16%
$1,502/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,324/mo ↓ 12%
2,707,648
Population
961,739

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Jacksonville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 92 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,153/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $266,100 in Jacksonville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Jacksonville — common questions

Is Chicago or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Jacksonville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Jacksonville it's $1,375/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $66,981 in Jacksonville. Median household income is $8,153/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Jacksonville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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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