Median rent is 17% lower in Jacksonville ($1,375/mo vs $1,657/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jacksonville, where the median home runs $266,100 versus $475,200. Households earn more in Jacksonville ($66,981 vs $59,390 a year). Taken together, Jacksonville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 111.9 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Jacksonville, FL.
Quick verdict
Jacksonville is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.5 in Jacksonville vs 111.9 in Miami (US average = 100)
City A
Jacksonville, FL
City B
Miami, FL
How much would you need to earn in Miami, FL to maintain your standard of living from Jacksonville, FL?
Equivalent salary in Miami, FL
$85,227
You'd need $10,227 more (14% higher).
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
Jacksonville
Florida
Miami
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 $1,657/mo in Miami (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Miami: the median home is $475,200 versus $266,100 in Jacksonville — 44% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 6.00% in Florida; Miami has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jacksonville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Miami
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Miami has cleaner air on average: 27.0 AQI (Good) compared to 42.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.5 vs 111.9).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,981/yr).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,375/mo median).
Pick Miami if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 27.0).
Is Jacksonville cheaper than Miami?
Jacksonville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 111.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Jacksonville.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Miami?
Median rent is $1,375/mo in Jacksonville, FL and $1,657/mo in Miami, FL. Jacksonville, FL has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Jacksonville or Miami?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville, FL and $59,390 in Miami, FL. Jacksonville, FL 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?
Miami, FL has better air quality on average: 27.0 AQI versus 42.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Jacksonville or Miami?
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Miami to match my Jacksonville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jacksonville, FL is equivalent to roughly $113,637 in Miami, 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