Median rent is 15% lower in Jacksonville ($1,375/mo vs $1,617/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jacksonville, where the median home runs $266,100 versus $420,600. Households earn more in Atlanta ($81,938 vs $66,981 a year). Taken together, Jacksonville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 98.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Atlanta, GA.
City A
Atlanta, GA
City B
Jacksonville, FL
How much would you need to earn in Jacksonville, FL to maintain your standard of living from Atlanta, GA?
Equivalent salary in Jacksonville, FL
$74,911
You could earn $89 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Atlanta
Georgia
Jacksonville
Florida
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Jacksonville at $1,375/mo compared to $1,617/mo in Atlanta (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Atlanta: the median home is $420,600 versus $266,100 in Jacksonville — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Georgia tops out at 5.49% — giving Jacksonville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 6.00% in Florida; Atlanta has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Atlanta
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Jacksonville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Jacksonville has cleaner air on average: 42.0 AQI (Good) compared to 57.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Atlanta if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,938/yr).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,375/mo median).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 42.0).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Atlanta cheaper than Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 98.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Jacksonville.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Jacksonville?
Median rent is $1,617/mo in Atlanta, GA and $1,375/mo in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville, FL has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Atlanta or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta, GA and $66,981 in Jacksonville, FL. Atlanta, GA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Jacksonville, FL has better air quality on average: 42.0 AQI versus 57.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Atlanta or Jacksonville?
Florida has no state income tax. Georgia has a top rate of 5.49%.
What salary do I need in Jacksonville to match my Atlanta income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Atlanta, GA is equivalent to roughly $99,881 in Jacksonville, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology