Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Jacksonville is 55% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,375/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 65%
$66,981/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 109%
$266,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 225%
$1,324/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 82%
961,739
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $73,179/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Arlington — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Arlington?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Arlington?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $73,179/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Arlington details →

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