San Antonio vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 8% more expensive than San Antonio overall. Neither TX nor FL has a state income tax.
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, San Antonio offers a more budget-friendly environment compared to Jacksonville. The most significant difference driving this affordability gap is housing, which is noticeably cheaper in the Texas metro. Other categories like food and healthcare also contribute to San Antonio's lower overall cost, while transportation and utilities show only minor differences between the two cities.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are considerably lower in San Antonio. Median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are substantially less than in Jacksonville. Beyond the mortgage, Florida homeowners in Jacksonville may face higher insurance premiums, potential flood insurance needs, and common community fees, plus property taxes that reset with a sale.
Taxes and everyday costs
Neither state imposes a state income tax, which is a financial benefit in both locations. Daily expenses for food and healthcare are somewhat lower in San Antonio. Transportation costs are quite similar, as are average commute times. Utilities, however, are slightly higher in Jacksonville, contributing to a marginally increased burden on everyday spending there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both metros offer warm climates, though Jacksonville experiences more humidity and hurricane season risks due to its coastal location. San Antonio has a distinct inland, historic character. Getting around is primarily car-dependent in both, with similar average commute times. Jacksonville's coastal setting offers different recreational opportunities compared to San Antonio's inland attractions.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, San Antonio generally presents a more favorable financial picture, primarily due to its significantly lower housing expenses. While some everyday costs are also less there, the absence of state income tax in both states is a shared advantage. Jacksonville's coastal lifestyle comes with higher housing and some additional ownership costs to factor into a household budget.
| Measure | San Antonio, TX | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 95 |
| Housing index | 71 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 95 | 96 |
| Food index | 88 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 105 |
| Misc index | 85 | 88 |
| Median home price | $248,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,100/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.