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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Jacksonville

Florida
92

San Jose is 162% more expensive than Jacksonville.

$2,617/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,375/mo ↓ 47%
$141,565/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$66,981/yr ↓ 53%
$1,187,800 ↑ 346%
Home Value
$266,100 ↓ 78%
$2,775/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,324/mo ↓ 52%
990,054
Population
961,739

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Jacksonville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 92 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,242/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $14,904/year.

Median household income is $74,584/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Jacksonville — common questions

Is San Jose or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Jacksonville?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Jacksonville it's $1,375/month — a difference of $1,242/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $66,981 in Jacksonville. Median household income is $74,584/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Jacksonville?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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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