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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Jacksonville is 27% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,375/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 39%
$66,981/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 39%
$266,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 49%
$1,324/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 20%
961,739
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $26,390/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Surprise — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Surprise?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Surprise?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $26,390/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Surprise

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite