Los Angeles vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 46% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.
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 Los Angeles and Jacksonville presents a substantial shift in living expenses. Overall, the cost of living in Los Angeles is considerably higher than in Jacksonville. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are vastly more expensive in the California metro. Other categories like transportation, food, and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to Los Angeles being a more costly place to reside.
Housing
Housing is where the financial gap between these two metros is most pronounced. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are dramatically more expensive in Los Angeles. In Jacksonville, median home prices are noticeably lower, and typical rental costs are also considerably less. However, in Florida, homeowners may face higher insurance premiums, potential flood insurance requirements, and property taxes that reset upon sale, sometimes alongside HOA or CDD fees in newer communities.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing also vary significantly. California has a state income tax, while Florida does not, which impacts take-home pay. Transportation costs, including commuting times, are higher in Los Angeles. Food, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are all more expensive in Los Angeles compared to Jacksonville. Utilities in Los Angeles are also pricier, though Jacksonville's utility costs are somewhat above the national average.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle and environment differ greatly. Los Angeles offers a Mediterranean climate and a sprawling, car-dependent urban landscape with a faster pace. Jacksonville, in contrast, has a humid subtropical climate, a more relaxed pace, and a less dense feel, though it is also quite car-oriented. Jacksonville experiences hurricane season during summer and fall, a consideration not typically present in Los Angeles.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Jacksonville offers a much lower cost of living across nearly all categories compared to Los Angeles. While Florida's unique property-related costs like insurance and property tax resets should be factored in, the absence of a state income tax and significantly cheaper housing, transportation, and everyday goods mean a move to Jacksonville could free up substantial household budget resources.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 175 | 95 |
| Housing index | 201 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 129 | 96 |
| Food index | 112 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 128 | 105 |
| Misc index | 118 | 88 |
| Median home price | $795,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,400/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.