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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Jacksonville

Florida
92

San Diego is 105% more expensive than Jacksonville.

$2,223/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,375/mo ↓ 38%
$104,321/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$66,981/yr ↓ 36%
$848,500 ↑ 219%
Home Value
$266,100 ↓ 69%
$2,308/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,324/mo ↓ 43%
1,385,061
Population
961,739

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Jacksonville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 92 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $37,340/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $266,100 in Jacksonville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Jacksonville — common questions

Is San Diego or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Jacksonville?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Jacksonville it's $1,375/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $66,981 in Jacksonville. Median household income is $37,340/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Jacksonville?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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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