Washington vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 37% cheaper than Washington overall. Jacksonville (FL) has no state income tax; DC tops out around 8.5%.
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
Moving from Washington to Jacksonville generally means a substantial reduction in overall living expenses. The cost of living in Washington is considerably higher than the national average, while Jacksonville's expenses are below it. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are dramatically lower in Jacksonville, but nearly every spending category contributes to the gap between the two metros.
Housing
Housing in Washington, whether buying or renting, is substantially more expensive than in Jacksonville. Median home prices are much higher in Washington, and typical one-bedroom rents show a similar large disparity. Beyond the mortgage, Florida homeowners should be aware of potentially higher homeowners insurance premiums and the possibility of flood insurance, as well as property taxes that reset to market value upon sale. Many newer communities in Jacksonville also have additional association fees.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are notably different between the two cities. Washington has a state income tax, which Florida does not, creating a significant difference in take-home pay. Transportation costs are higher in Washington, as are expenses for food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services. Utilities are roughly similar, but overall, daily spending on essentials will be considerably less in Jacksonville.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a mover would notice distinct lifestyle differences. Washington experiences four distinct seasons, while Jacksonville has a warm, humid climate year-round with a hurricane season during summer and fall. Washington offers extensive public transportation, whereas Jacksonville is more car-dependent, though commutes are generally shorter. Washington is a dense, bustling city, while Jacksonville offers a more sprawling, coastal feel.
Bottom line
For households considering a move from Washington to Jacksonville, the financial impact is substantial. Expect a much lower overall cost of living, particularly due to significantly reduced housing expenses and the absence of a state income tax. While some ownership costs like insurance may be higher in Florida, the combined effect of lower prices across most categories means a considerable increase in purchasing power and disposable income for many residents.
| Measure | Washington, DC | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 152 | 95 |
| Housing index | 155 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 138 | 96 |
| Food index | 112 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 105 |
| Misc index | 118 | 88 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,350/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 38 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.