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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Jacksonville is 33% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,375/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 22%
$66,981/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 15%
$266,100 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 31%
$1,324/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 20%
961,739
Population
204,383

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $10,359/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Columbus — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Columbus?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Columbus?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $10,359/year higher in Jacksonville.
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 Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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