Sacramento vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 26% cheaper than Sacramento 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
Comparing Sacramento and Jacksonville reveals a significant difference in overall cost of living. Sacramento consistently ranks higher across nearly all categories, making it a considerably more expensive place to reside. The primary driver of this disparity is housing, which shows a much bigger gap between the two metros than other expenses. While some categories are closer, the cumulative effect places Sacramento at a much higher cost than Jacksonville.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast, with both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom unit being noticeably higher in Sacramento. Beyond the mortgage or rent, Florida's context suggests homeowners in Jacksonville may face higher insurance premiums, including potential flood insurance, and property taxes reset upon sale. Many newer communities in Jacksonville also include additional fees like HOA or CDD, which can impact ownership costs.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all higher in Sacramento. Additionally, California has a state income tax, which is absent in Florida, impacting take-home pay. While transportation costs are higher in Sacramento, average commute times are roughly similar. These differences mean that routine spending on necessities will generally be more economical in Jacksonville.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Sacramento offers a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters, while Jacksonville has a humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild, drier winters. Jacksonville is also susceptible to hurricane season through summer and fall. Getting around in both metros typically relies on personal vehicles. Jacksonville's character often features a more sprawling layout with many newer developments, whereas Sacramento has a mix of established urban and suburban areas.
Bottom line
Moving from Sacramento to Jacksonville would likely result in a substantial reduction in household expenses, primarily driven by the much lower housing costs and the absence of state income tax. While some Florida-specific ownership costs like insurance and certain fees need consideration, the overall financial burden for housing, everyday necessities, and income tax is noticeably lighter in Jacksonville, offering a significant budget advantage for many households.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 95 |
| Housing index | 132 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 110 | 96 |
| Food index | 108 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 125 | 105 |
| Misc index | 105 | 88 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 30 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.