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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Jacksonville is 16% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,375/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 7%
$66,981/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 23%
$266,100 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 42%
$1,324/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 12%
961,739
Population
470,763

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 Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $15,443/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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 Raleigh — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Raleigh?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Raleigh?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $15,443/year higher in Raleigh.
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 Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Raleigh details →

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