Minneapolis vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 12% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; MN tops out around 7.05%.
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 more affordable cost of living compared to Minneapolis. This difference is largely driven by significantly lower costs for food, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses in the Florida metro. While housing costs are somewhat similar, the absence of a state income tax in Florida contributes to a more favorable financial landscape for residents.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are slightly lower in Jacksonville. However, new homeowners in Florida should factor in potentially higher homeowners insurance premiums, the need for flood insurance in some areas, and common community association fees. Property taxes also reset to market value upon sale, which can mean a different cost structure for new buyers.
Taxes and everyday costs
A major financial difference is Florida's lack of a state income tax, which can significantly impact take-home pay. Daily expenses like food and healthcare are noticeably cheaper in Jacksonville. Transportation costs are roughly similar, as is the average commute time. Utilities are slightly more expensive in Minneapolis, but the overall trend favors Jacksonville for everyday spending.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Minneapolis experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers, while Jacksonville offers a warm, humid climate year-round with a hurricane season. Both metros have similar average commute times. Minneapolis is known for its urban density and public transit options, while Jacksonville is more spread out, often requiring a car for daily activities.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Jacksonville generally presents a more budget-friendly option, primarily due to the absence of state income tax and lower costs for many everyday necessities. While housing prices are comparable, potential homeowners in Florida should be prepared for different ownership costs like insurance and property tax resets, which can influence the total financial picture.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 95 |
| Housing index | 94 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 98 | 96 |
| Food index | 102 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 105 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 105 |
| Misc index | 98 | 88 |
| Median home price | $328,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 27 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.