Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Jacksonville is 15% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,375/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 16%
$66,981/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 17%
$266,100 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 8%
$1,324/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 12%
961,739
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $11,328/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Columbia — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Columbia?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Columbia?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $11,328/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Columbia details →

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