Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Charlotte, NC (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Charlotte

North Carolina
108

Jacksonville is 16% cheaper than Charlotte.

$1,375/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,504/mo ↑ 9%
$66,981/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,438/yr ↑ 17%
$266,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$351,500 ↑ 32%
$1,324/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 12%
961,739
Population
886,283

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Charlotte, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $11,457/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $351,500 in Charlotte.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Charlotte — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Charlotte cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Charlotte?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Charlotte it's $1,504/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Charlotte?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $78,438 in Charlotte. Median household income is $11,457/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Charlotte?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,504/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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