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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Riverside

California
144

Jacksonville is 36% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,375/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 32%
$66,981/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 32%
$266,100 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 104%
$1,324/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 42%
961,739
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $21,594/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Riverside — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Riverside?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Riverside?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $21,594/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Riverside

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