Boston vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 41% cheaper than Boston overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; MA tops out around 5%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Boston and Jacksonville reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Boston is considerably more expensive across the board, with housing being the most significant factor driving this disparity. Jacksonville, in contrast, offers a cost of living that is below the national average, making it a much more budget-friendly option for many expenses. This fundamental difference shapes the financial implications of living in either city.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast. Both home prices and rental rates are dramatically higher in Boston compared to Jacksonville. While Boston features a mix of historic and modern housing, often denser, Jacksonville offers more sprawling, newer developments. However, Florida homeowners should factor in potentially higher insurance premiums, including flood coverage, and be aware of common community fees like HOAs or CDDs, plus property tax adjustments upon sale.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary significantly. Massachusetts has a state income tax, unlike Florida, which impacts take-home pay. Beyond that, transportation, groceries, healthcare, and utility costs are all noticeably higher in Boston. Commute times are also slightly longer on average in Boston. This means that everyday spending on essential goods and services will generally be much more affordable in Jacksonville.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences extend beyond cost. Boston experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters, and offers a more established public transit system, leading to a denser, more walkable urban experience. Jacksonville has a warm, humid climate year-round and is more car-dependent, with a generally more suburban feel. Florida also has a hurricane season during warmer months, which is a consideration for residents.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: a move from Boston to Jacksonville would likely result in substantial savings across nearly all budget categories. Conversely, moving to Boston from Jacksonville would entail a significant increase in expenses, particularly for housing. Your overall budget will stretch considerably further in Jacksonville, while Boston demands a much higher financial commitment for a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Boston, MA | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 162 | 95 |
| Housing index | 194 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 96 |
| Food index | 115 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 135 | 105 |
| Misc index | 122 | 88 |
| Median home price | $698,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,850/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 32 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Jacksonville home with the True Cost Calculator.