Here’s What to Expect When it Comes to Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL, as a Renter

Relocating to a new city comes with its fair share of excitement and stress — especially for renters. From choosing the right neighborhood to finding the right apartment, there’s a lot to juggle. But, before you even start apartment-hunting, one thing should be at the top of your checklist — understanding the cost of living in your new city.

That’s why this guide focuses on the cost of living in Jacksonville, FL — a fast-growing city in northeast Florida that has become increasingly popular among renters looking for affordability, amenities and coastal living. If you’re considering renting here, it’s important to compare the average cost of living in Jacksonville to both the cost of living in Florida overall and the national average.

What is the average cost of living in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is known for its wide-open spaces, easy beach access and welcoming neighborhoods. It’s a renter-friendly city that strikes a solid balance between urban life and affordability. Additionally, the median household income in Jacksonville is currently $66,981 (as of March 2025), which supports the affordability of daily expenses.

Meanwhile, utilities are 8% cheaper than the Florida average and 10% less than the U.S. average. Health care is especially affordable, costing 13% less than the state average and 15% less than the national average. Transportation expenses follow a similar trend, coming in at 9% below the Florida average and 13% below the national level. Goods and services — including items like clothing and personal care — are also more affordable with prices about 5% lower than the state average and 4% below the national average. In contrast, food prices are slightly elevated, averaging around 4% more than the national benchmark.

Breaking down the cost of living in Jacksonville

When it comes to understanding the cost of living in Jacksonville, it helps to go beyond basic comparisons. Sure, looking at how prices stack up against state or national averages is useful, but it doesn’t always show what day-to-day expenses really look like. So, to get a better feel for what life in Jacksonville might cost, it’s worth breaking things down by category.

Here’s a more detailed look at the average expenses that renters should expect in Jacksonville. These numbers give you a solid idea of what everyday life will cost in the city.

Housing (Buy and Rent):

• Average monthly rent: $1,493
• Average home price: $391,862
• Mortgage rate: 7.00%

Utilities:

• Energy bill (monthly average): $170.55
• Phone bill (monthly average): $197.76

Food:

• Milk (1 gallon): $4.72
• Eggs (1 dozen): $3.41
• Bread (loaf): $4.22
• Potatoes (5 lbs): $5.33
• Cheese (1 lb): $4.74
• Ground beef (1 lb): $7.07

Health Care:

• Doctor’s visit: $106.53
• Dentist visit: $98.40
• Optometrist visit: $97.76

Transportation:

• Gas (per gallon): $3.34
• Tire-balancing: $34.07

Goods & Services:

• Men’s shirt: $30.27
• Women’s slacks: $35.43
• Boy’s jeans: $21.33
• Haircut: $21.30
• Beauty salon: $79.67
• Dry cleaning: $14.99
• Movie ticket: $12.74

Is Jacksonville a good choice for renters?

If you’re a renter comparing cities, Jacksonville is a strong contender. That’s because the cost of living in Jacksonville is consistently lower than both the cost of living in Florida overall and the national average. From housing and utilities to transportation and health care, renters here can stretch their budgets further without sacrificing quality of life.

The city offers a mix of beachside living, suburban comfort and urban amenities. And, with lower costs in many key areas, Jacksonville makes it easier for renters to live well without breaking the bank. So, if you’re exploring your options, it might be time to give this Florida city a closer look.

Or, if you’re interested about the cost of living in other cities, check out our guides for Miami; Fort Lauderdale, FL; and San Jose, CA.