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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Jacksonville is 12% cheaper than Durham.

$1,375/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 3%
$66,981/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 18%
$266,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 34%
$1,324/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 8%
961,739
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,253/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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 Durham — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Durham?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Durham?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $12,253/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Durham details →

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