Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Jacksonville is 63% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,375/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 55%
$66,981/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 62%
$266,100 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 408%
$1,324/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 77%
961,739
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $752/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $9,024/year.

Median household income is $41,577/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Berkeley?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $752/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Berkeley?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $41,577/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Berkeley details →

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