Jacksonville vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 11% more expensive than Jacksonville overall. Neither FL nor FL has a state income tax.
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
Jacksonville generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Orlando, with its overall expenses falling below the national average. Orlando, in contrast, tends to be slightly above the national average. The most significant difference driving this gap is housing costs, which are noticeably higher in Orlando for both buying and renting, though other categories also contribute to the overall disparity.
Housing
Housing in Jacksonville is considerably more budget-friendly, whether you are looking to purchase a home or rent an apartment, with prices notably lower than in Orlando. Both cities feature a mix of housing types, including newer communities with potential HOA or CDD fees. Property taxes reset upon sale, and homeowners insurance premiums are high across Florida, with flood insurance often a consideration.
Taxes and everyday costs
Neither city has a state income tax, which benefits residents in both. However, daily expenses like transportation, food, and healthcare are typically lower in Jacksonville. Utilities are slightly elevated in both metros compared to the national average. This means that everyday spending on essentials will generally stretch further in Jacksonville than in Orlando.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Jacksonville offers a coastal lifestyle with a major river running through it, often perceived as having a somewhat slower pace and less traffic congestion, reflected in shorter average commute times. Orlando, known for its major attractions, tends to be busier with more tourism, which can contribute to longer commute times and a more urban feel. Both experience warm, humid climates with a hurricane season.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing a more economical lifestyle, Jacksonville presents a clear advantage, primarily due to its lower housing costs and generally reduced everyday expenses. While both cities share Florida's unique financial considerations like high homeowners insurance, Orlando's higher overall cost of living means a household budget will likely go further in Jacksonville.
| Measure | Jacksonville, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 95 | 105 |
| Housing index | 91 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 96 | 104 |
| Food index | 92 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 108 |
| Misc index | 88 | 92 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,400/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Orlando home with the True Cost Calculator.