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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

San Francisco

California
267

Jacksonville is 66% cheaper than San Francisco.

$1,375/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,419/mo ↑ 76%
$66,981/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$141,446/yr ↑ 111%
$266,100 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,380,500 ↑ 419%
$1,324/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,620/mo ↑ 98%
961,739
Population
836,321

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
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and San Francisco, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 267 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,044/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $12,528/year.

Median household income is $74,465/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $1,380,500 in San Francisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs San Francisco — common questions

Is Jacksonville or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and San Francisco?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in San Francisco it's $2,419/month — a difference of $1,044/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or San Francisco?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $141,446 in San Francisco. Median household income is $74,465/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with rent of $2,419/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View San Francisco details →

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