Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Jacksonville is 23% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,375/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 24%
$66,981/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 3%
$266,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 39%
$1,324/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 26%
961,739
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $2,280/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $2,280/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and West Palm Beach

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