Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Jacksonville is 14% cheaper than Mesa.

$1,375/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 7%
$66,981/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 18%
$266,100 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$364,300 ↑ 37%
$1,324/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↑ 6%
961,739
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $11,798/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Mesa — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Mesa?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Mesa?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $11,798/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Arizona?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Mesa details →

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