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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Jacksonville is 25% cheaper than Atlanta.

$1,375/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 18%
$66,981/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↑ 22%
$266,100 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$420,600 ↑ 58%
$1,324/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↑ 28%
961,739
Population
499,287

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
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $14,957/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Atlanta?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Atlanta?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $14,957/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Atlanta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Atlanta

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh