Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Modesto

California
120

Jacksonville is 23% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,375/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 17%
$66,981/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 16%
$266,100 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 56%
$1,324/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 22%
961,739
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $10,918/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Modesto — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Modesto?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Modesto?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $10,918/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Modesto

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley