Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Boston, MA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Jacksonville is 48% cheaper than Boston.

$1,375/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 52%
$66,981/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 41%
$266,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 167%
$1,324/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 64%
961,739
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $27,774/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Boston — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Boston?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Boston?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $27,774/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Massachusetts?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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