Median rent is 17% lower in Jacksonville ($1,375/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jacksonville, where the median home runs $266,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $66,981 a year). Taken together, Jacksonville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Jacksonville, FL
How much would you need to earn in Jacksonville, FL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Jacksonville, FL
$74,759
You could earn $241 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
Austin
Texas
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 $1,655/mo in Austin (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $266,100 in Jacksonville — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Florida; Jacksonville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Jacksonville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Jacksonville has cleaner air on average: 42.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,375/mo median).
Is Austin cheaper than Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Jacksonville.
How much is rent in Austin vs Jacksonville?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,375/mo in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville, FL has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $66,981 in Jacksonville, FL. Austin, TX 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 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Jacksonville?
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Jacksonville to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,678 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