Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Athens, GA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Jacksonville is 11% more expensive than Athens.

$1,375/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 15%
$66,981/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 23%
$266,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 2%
$1,324/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 12%
961,739
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $15,326/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Athens — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Athens?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Athens?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $15,326/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Georgia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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