Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Jacksonville, FL (2026)
Houston
Texas
88
VS
Jacksonville
Florida
92
Houston is 4% cheaper than Jacksonville.
$1,313/mo
↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,375/mo
↑ 5%
$62,894/yr
↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,981/yr
↑ 6%
$253,400
↓ 5%
Home Value
$266,100
↑ 5%
$1,316/mo
≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,324/mo
≈ Same
2,300,419
Population
961,739
Tax Comparison
0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income
Detailed Comparison
When comparing Houston, TX and Jacksonville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are
88 and 92 respectively
(national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $744/year.
Median household income is $4,087/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400
compared to $266,100 in Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Houston vs Jacksonville — common questions
Is Houston or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Jacksonville?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Jacksonville it's $1,375/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $66,981 in Jacksonville. Median household income is $4,087/year higher in Jacksonville.
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 Houston or Jacksonville?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.