Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Jacksonville is 12% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,375/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 3%
$66,981/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,544/yr ≈ Same
$266,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 28%
$1,324/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 15%
961,739
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $563/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Worcester — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Worcester?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Worcester?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $563/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Massachusetts?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Worcester details →

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