Raleigh vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 5% cheaper than Raleigh overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; NC tops out around 4.5%.
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
Comparing Raleigh and Jacksonville reveals a general cost advantage for the Florida city. While Raleigh aligns closely with the national average for overall expenses, Jacksonville typically offers a more affordable cost of living. This difference is largely driven by housing costs, which are noticeably lower in Jacksonville, creating a significant gap in the overall financial picture for residents considering a move between these two metros.
Housing
Housing in Jacksonville is generally more affordable than in Raleigh, whether you're looking to buy or rent. Median home prices and typical rental costs for a one-bedroom unit are lower in Jacksonville. However, Florida homeowners should factor in potentially higher insurance premiums, including flood insurance in some areas, and be aware that property taxes can reset to market value upon sale. Many newer communities in Florida also include homeowners association or community development district fees.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses show some variation. A major financial difference is Florida's lack of a state income tax, which can significantly impact take-home pay compared to North Carolina. Transportation costs are roughly similar between the two cities, while food expenses are somewhat lower in Jacksonville. Healthcare costs are comparable, but utilities in Jacksonville tend to be a bit higher, partially offsetting some of the other savings.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities offer a generally similar average commute time. Jacksonville provides a coastal lifestyle with a warmer, more humid climate and a longer hurricane season during summer and fall. Raleigh, further inland, experiences all four seasons more distinctly. Jacksonville's layout is often described as more sprawling, while Raleigh can feel a bit more concentrated in its urban core. Both metros rely heavily on personal vehicles for getting around.
Bottom line
Moving from Raleigh to Jacksonville generally means a more favorable financial outlook, primarily due to lower housing costs and the absence of a state income tax. While some expenses like utilities and potentially homeowners insurance might be higher in Florida, these are often outweighed by the significant savings in housing and income tax. The decision ultimately balances these financial considerations with the distinct lifestyle and climate differences each city offers.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 100 | 95 |
| Housing index | 106 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 97 | 96 |
| Food index | 95 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 90 | 88 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,500/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.