Salt Lake City vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 12% cheaper than Salt Lake City overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; UT tops out around 4.65%.
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, the cost of living is noticeably higher in Salt Lake City compared to Jacksonville, which sits below the national average. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are substantially more expensive in Salt Lake City. Other categories like transportation and food show smaller gaps, but the housing market creates a much bigger distinction in the total financial picture between these two metros.
Housing
Both buying and renting are considerably more affordable in Jacksonville, with median home prices and one-bedroom rents being noticeably lower than in Salt Lake City. However, prospective homeowners in Jacksonville should factor in potentially higher homeowners insurance premiums, the possibility of flood insurance, and common HOA or CDD fees. Property taxes in Florida also reset to market value upon sale, which can be a significant consideration for new buyers.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with Jacksonville generally offering lower costs for food and healthcare. Transportation costs are also somewhat lower in Jacksonville, and commutes are roughly similar in duration. A key financial difference is Florida's lack of a state income tax, which can lead to more take-home pay compared to Utah's state income tax. However, utilities might be slightly higher in Jacksonville.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle experience differs. Salt Lake City offers a mountain climate with four distinct seasons and proximity to outdoor recreation. Jacksonville, a coastal city, has a warmer, humid climate with a long hurricane season during summer and fall. While both are car-dependent, Jacksonville's flat terrain and expansive layout contrast with Salt Lake City's more compact urban core nestled against mountains. The pace of life and density also present different feels.
Bottom line
Moving between these metros presents a clear financial trade-off. A household budget will likely stretch further in Jacksonville, primarily due to much lower housing costs and the absence of a state income tax. However, these savings might be partially offset by higher insurance costs and potential HOA/CDD fees in Florida. Salt Lake City, while more expensive overall, offers a different climate and geographic setting that may appeal to some.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 95 |
| Housing index | 127 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 96 |
| Food index | 98 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 105 |
| Misc index | 95 | 88 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 24 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.