Denver vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 26% cheaper than Denver overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; CO tops out around 4.4%.
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
Moving between Denver and Jacksonville presents a significant shift in overall cost of living. Denver is noticeably more expensive across the board, with its higher housing costs being the primary driver of this difference. Jacksonville, in contrast, offers a considerably more affordable lifestyle, with most spending categories coming in below the national average. This makes Jacksonville an attractive option for those seeking to reduce their monthly expenses.
Housing
Both buying and renting are substantially more costly in Denver compared to Jacksonville. Median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in the Colorado city. While Florida has no state income tax, homeowners in Jacksonville should factor in potentially higher homeowners insurance premiums, the possibility of flood insurance, and property taxes that reset to market value upon sale. Many newer Florida communities also include HOA or CDD fees.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary significantly. Jacksonville benefits from Florida's lack of a state income tax, which is a notable difference from Colorado's income tax. Transportation costs are roughly similar, but food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are all more expensive in Denver. Utilities are slightly higher in Jacksonville, but this is generally offset by savings in other categories, making daily spending considerably lower there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, movers will find distinct differences. Denver offers a mountain climate with four distinct seasons, while Jacksonville provides a humid subtropical climate with warm winters and hot, humid summers, including hurricane season. Denver's urban core is denser, with more public transit options, while Jacksonville is more spread out, relying heavily on personal vehicles. The pace of life and general atmosphere also differ, reflecting their geographic and cultural settings.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the budget implications are clear: Denver demands a significantly higher financial commitment, particularly for housing. Jacksonville offers a much more budget-friendly environment, with lower costs across most spending categories, including a lack of state income tax. While Florida's unique housing-related costs like insurance and property tax resets should be considered, the overall financial burden in Jacksonville is substantially lighter than in Denver.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 95 |
| Housing index | 146 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 96 |
| Food index | 105 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.