Chicago vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 19% cheaper than Chicago overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; IL tops out around 4.95%.
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
Overall, Jacksonville offers a noticeably lower cost of living compared to Chicago. This difference is largely driven by more affordable housing, significantly lower transportation costs, and cheaper everyday goods like food. A major factor contributing to the overall savings in Jacksonville is the absence of a state income tax, which can lead to substantial differences in take-home pay for many residents.
Housing
While median home prices are roughly similar in both metros, renting a one-bedroom apartment is noticeably cheaper in Jacksonville. Homeownership costs in Florida can include higher homeowners insurance premiums, and flood insurance may be necessary. Many newer communities in Jacksonville also have additional fees like HOA or CDD, and property taxes reset to market value upon sale, which can impact a new buyer's expenses.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending in Jacksonville will generally be lower. There is no state income tax in Florida, which can mean more disposable income. Transportation costs are noticeably higher in Chicago, as are expenses for food and healthcare. Utilities in Jacksonville can be slightly higher, but miscellaneous goods and services are generally more affordable there, contributing to overall daily savings.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Chicago experiences distinct four seasons with cold winters, while Jacksonville offers a warm, humid climate year-round, including hurricane season during summer and fall. Chicago has extensive public transit and a denser urban core, leading to longer average commutes. Jacksonville is more car-dependent with a more suburban feel, and commutes are generally shorter, offering a different pace of life.
Bottom line
Moving from Chicago to Jacksonville generally means a more favorable household budget, primarily due to the absence of state income tax and lower costs for transportation, food, and rent. While home purchase prices are comparable, be mindful of potentially higher insurance and property tax considerations in Florida. The shift also brings a significant change in climate and daily commute experience.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 95 |
| Housing index | 97 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 96 |
| Food index | 105 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 105 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.