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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Jacksonville

Florida
92

Phoenix is 18% more expensive than Jacksonville.

$1,458/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,375/mo ↓ 6%
$77,041/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$66,981/yr ↓ 13%
$381,900 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$266,100 ↓ 30%
$1,430/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,324/mo ↓ 7%
1,624,832
Population
961,739

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Jacksonville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 92 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $10,060/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $266,100 in Jacksonville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Jacksonville — common questions

Is Phoenix or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Jacksonville?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Jacksonville it's $1,375/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $66,981 in Jacksonville. Median household income is $10,060/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Jacksonville?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with rent of $1,375/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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