Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Jacksonville is 30% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,375/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 29%
$66,981/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 19%
$266,100 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 71%
$1,324/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 34%
961,739
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $12,954/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $12,954/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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