Let’s say Jacksonville is kinder to your wallet than some places—you’re likely to stretch your income further here, but there are trade-offs worth knowing. You’ll want a clear monthly budget that covers rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and incidentals so surprises don’t derail your plans. Keep going to see typical costs, rent comparisons, and what salary usually makes living here comfortable.
What Is the Typical Monthly Budget for Living in Jacksonville
To budget for living in Jacksonville, expect different monthly figures depending on whether you rent or own: renters typically spend about $4,819 per month (roughly 1.1% above the national average), while homeowners average $7,528 monthly (about 10.8% below the national average).
You’ll use those baselines to allocate income across categories: housing costs, utilities, groceries, transportation and savings. For renters, the average monthly rent sits near $1,293, leaving room for other monthly expenses; utilities for renters average about $340.
Homeowners face higher overall monthly expenses but lower utility averages per household at about $752, and groceries in Jacksonville typically cost $722 for renters versus $1,433 for homeowners. That split likely reflects household size differences, so adjust based on your household.
Track actual spending for two months, then set budget targets: limit groceries to a realistic cap, earmark utilities, and guarantee housing costs plus utilities don’t exceed a comfortable share of your income.
Housing Costs: Renting Vs Buying in Jacksonville
While renting often looks cheaper month-to-month, buying in Jacksonville can be more affordable over time because average home prices sit around $384,019—well below the national $518,961 benchmark. You’ll weigh lower home prices and monthly housing expenses for homeowners (~$1,737) against an average mortgage rate near 7.00% and upfront costs. Renting remains viable: the average rent in Jacksonville is about $1,293 per month, 21.2% below national rent, though local renting figures are reported 1.1% higher than national averages in some measures.
| Option | Quick snapshot |
|---|---|
| Renting | Lower upfront, flexible |
| Buying | Equity build-up, lower long-term cost |
| Average rent | $1,293/month |
| Average home price | $384,019 |
| Homeowner monthly cost | $1,737/month |
Focus on affordability: if you plan to stay several years, buying often reduces your long-term cost of living despite mortgage rates; if you need flexibility, renting limits commitment and maintenance responsibility.
Average Rent Breakdown by Apartment Size
You’ll see studio and micro units start around $1,385 per month on average, with some modest options as low as $687 if you shop carefully.
One-bedroom rents run about $1,445, two-bedrooms average $1,701, and three-bedrooms can reach roughly $1,920.
Compared with the national average of $1,640, Jacksonville overall is about 21.2% cheaper, so you can match unit size to your budget without overpaying.
Studio and Micro Units
Many renters find studio and micro units offer the best balance of cost and convenience in Jacksonville: studios average about $1,385 per month, while smaller micro units usually come in cheaper depending on location and amenities. You’ll find studio apartments are a practical, affordable option if you want lower monthly rent without sacrificing central locations. Micro units cut costs further but demand careful space planning. Rental prices here are roughly 21.2% below the national average, so you get more value. Compare listings for utilities and amenities to judge true cost. Use this quick snapshot to guide your search:
| Unit Type | Typical Size | Typical Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Micro unit | 200–350 sq ft | Lower than studios |
| Studio | 350–550 sq ft | $1,385 |
1–3 Bedroom Costs
If studio and micro units fit your budget, the next step is comparing rent by bedroom count so you can match space to cost.
You’ll find the average rent for studios around $1,385 and one-bedrooms about $1,445, while two-bedroom apartments average roughly $1,701 and three-bedrooms about $1,920.
Use these figures to plan monthly rent in Jacksonville against your income and other bills. Jacksonville’s projected July 2025 average rent sits near $1,668, and overall cost of living is generally more affordable than national averages, helping housing stretch further.
If you need extra room, factor higher utility and furniture costs for larger units, then decide whether the space justifies the added expense.
Utilities and Monthly Service Expenses
Although Jacksonville’s utilities tend to run about 10% below the national average, you’ll still want to budget carefully: basic electricity, gas, and water average roughly $211.72 per month, while total utility costs — including internet and mobile service — come in around $315.00. You should plan monthly expenses around those averages, knowing energy is about $170.55 and phone service can push costs higher — the average phone bill is $197.76. Costs vary by usage, apartment size, and provider; expect occasional fees for installation or data overages. Track your bills for two to three months to set a realistic baseline, then adjust your budget for seasonal energy swings. Compare providers for internet and mobile plans, and consider energy-saving steps like smart thermostats to lower monthly utility services costs.
| Item | Typical Monthly |
|---|---|
| Electricity (avg) | $170.55 |
| Water/Gas | $41.17 |
| Phone | $197.76 |
| Total utilities | $315.00 |
Grocery Prices and Food Budget for Households
When you plan your food budget in Jacksonville, expect grocery costs to be a bit above the national average and build in both weekly trips and occasional dining-out expenses.
Grocery prices run about 4.2% higher than nationwide, so factor in items like milk at $4.72, a dozen eggs at $3.41, bread $4.22, cheese $4.74, and steak $15.52 per pound.
Your average monthly grocery cost will vary: a single adult should budget roughly $380 per month (about $4,561 annually), while a family of four needs about $1,113 monthly (roughly $13,368 yearly).
Plan meals, shop with lists, and buy staples in bulk to manage those numbers.
For dining out, expect inexpensive meals around $20 per person and a mid-range three-course dinner for two near $90 — include a modest dining-out line in your monthly plan.
Track receipts for a month to adjust allocations precisely.
Healthcare and Medical Expense Estimates
Because healthcare costs in Jacksonville tend to run below national levels, you can often expect more affordable routine care and lower annual medical spending than in many U.S. cities. For planning, use the average cost figures: a doctor visit runs about $106.53 (roughly 15% below the national average), a dentist appointment about $98.40, and an optometry check-up around $97.76.
The average annual healthcare cost for a single adult is roughly $2,767, which helps you estimate monthly medical expenses for budgeting.
Most residents access employer-sponsored insurance or Florida’s ACA marketplace, which reduces your out-of-pocket burden for visits, prescriptions, and preventive care. Even common over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen average $11.02, reflecting overall affordability.
When you build your monthly budget, allocate for premiums plus a modest out-of-pocket buffer for copays and occasional specialist visits; Jacksonville’s lower-than-average costs make that buffer smaller than in many other cities.
Transportation Costs: Fuel, Maintenance, and Transit
If you drive regularly in Jacksonville, expect fuel and upkeep to make up the bulk of your transportation spending: gasoline averages about $3.34 per gallon, annual costs for a single adult run near $10,060, and routine services like tire balancing are roughly $34.07 — all contributing to overall expenses that are about 12.6% below the national average.
You should budget for fuel, periodic maintenance, insurance, and occasional repairs; maintenance items like tire balancing at $34.07 and regular oil changes add predictable costs.
If you’d rather avoid driving daily, public transit options — buses and the Skyway monorail — offer affordable alternatives that can lower your average transportation costs depending on use.
Factor commute distance and parking fees into your projections, since longer trips raise gasoline and upkeep expenses.
Jacksonville’s transportation costs remain economically favorable, but you’ll save most by mixing transit and car use, keeping maintenance current, and tracking fuel consumption to manage monthly spending precisely.
Goods, Services, and Entertainment Expenses
Although entertainment and everyday purchases might seem small, they add up quickly, so plan your monthly budget around predictable line items like groceries, utilities, and routine services.
Expect the cost of groceries for a single adult to be about $380 and roughly $1,114 for a family of four; factor those into your monthly budget first. Your average monthly utility bill sits near $315, with energy around $171 and phone services about $198 — tally these to avoid surprises.
For dining and outings, inexpensive restaurant meals cost about $20 per person and a mid-range three-course for two runs near $90; plan occasional meals out and movie nights (~$14 per ticket).
Add routine personal care: haircuts ~ $21.63 and toiletries like toothpaste ~$4.12. If you use a gym, budget roughly $32.50 monthly.
Track these everyday expenses regularly so you can adjust discretionary spending without jeopardizing essentials.
Recommended Salaries and Affordability Benchmarks
To cover typical expenses in Jacksonville you should target about $57,828 annually as a single adult, which sits above the MIT living wage estimate of roughly $48,485.
For households, use benchmarks like a $13,368 yearly food budget for a family of four and compare total income against those line items when planning.
For rent, stick to rent-to-income guidelines — with average rent at $1,293, you’d want at least $44,364 in annual earnings to keep housing affordable.
Single Adult Salary Target
1 clear target salary can help you budget effectively in Jacksonville: a recommended pre-tax annual income of $57,828 covers estimated costs including $27,240 for housing, $8,664 for groceries, and $12,192 for other essential goods and services.
That target gives you room for the average cost of utilities, transit and incidentals while keeping rent manageable if you choose an apartment in Jacksonville.
Use it for practical financial planning: compare this to the MIT living wage of $48,485 and the median household income of $68,069 to see where you stand.
- To afford average rent of $1,293/month you need about $44,364/year.
- $27,240 housing assumes modest one-bedroom costs.
- Factor utilities and insurance into monthly bills.
- Aim to save a portion each month for emergencies.
Household Income Benchmarks
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Jacksonville? You should target a household income that covers rent and essentials without stretching your monthly budget. Recommended salaries vary by source but give clear benchmarks.
| Benchmark | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable target | $57,828 | Covers rent + essentials |
| MIT living wage | $48,485 | Basic living costs |
| Median rent threshold | $44,364 | For median one-bedroom rent |
The city’s median household income is $68,069, which supports local affordability compared with those benchmarks. Aim to keep rent near $1,445 monthly so housing stays about 30% of income. Use these figures to plan wages, savings, and realistic monthly budget choices.
Rent-to-Income Guidelines
Those household-income benchmarks help set expectations, and now you can map them to rent-to-income rules so your housing stays affordable.
Use the cost of living index and your projected living expenses to answer “salary do I need” for housing. Aim to keep housing costs — rent plus utilities — at or below 30% of gross income.
For clarity, here are practical checkpoints:
- Median one-bedroom rent ~$1,445 → need ≈ $44,364/year to meet 30% rule.
- Target comfortable single-adult salary $57,828/year to cover broader living expenses and buffer.
- Average renter monthly rent reported $2,270 — exceeds typical affordability unless income is higher.
- Homeowner monthly housing costs ~$1,737, often more affordable than renting in many scenarios.
Use these numbers to set realistic budgets.
Moving, Setup, and One-Time Housing Expenses
When you move to Jacksonville, plan for several one-time housing expenses: landlords typically require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent and application fees of $50–$100.
Professional movers run $800–$1,500 (with DIY moves still carrying costs for truck rental, fuel, and supplies), and you’ll likely spend $300–$500 on initial setup items like kitchenware, basic furniture, and cleaning supplies in your first month.
Beyond those one-time costs, factor setup costs into your moving budget so you don’t dip into emergency funds. Expect monthly utility costs around $200–$300 for electricity, water, and internet; add $25–$50 per month for routine maintenance and small replacements.
If a complex charges for maintenance calls due to tenant negligence, keep a small reserve. Shop secondhand or bundle services to lower upfront spending.
Create a checklist and receipts folder to track deposits, move invoices, and setup receipts — that’ll make security deposit returns and future budgeting much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Jacksonville, FL?
You’ll need about $57,828 yearly (≈$4,819 monthly) to live comfortably in Jacksonville; factor affordable neighborhoods, lifestyle expenses, transportation costs, grocery prices, utility bills, and entertainment options when budgeting to match your needs.
What Is the Average Cost of Living in Jacksonville, FL?
You’ll find average cost of living in Jacksonville about 8% below national, with a cost breakdown showing housing options around $1,511 rent, transportation expenses moderate, grocery prices slightly higher, utility bills lower, and reasonable entertainment costs.
What Is the Average Cost of Living in Florida per Month for a Single Person?
You’ll average roughly $4,800–$5,200 monthly for a single person, so prioritize budgeting strategies, track average expenses, and account for food costs, transportation prices, utility bills, and entertainment options to stay comfortable.
Is Rent Expensive in Jacksonville, Florida?
No, Jacksonville rent isn’t pricey; you’ll find the rental market offers affordable housing options. You’ll compare cost comparison data, inspect neighborhood analysis for urban living tradeoffs, and choose among varied apartment sizes confidently.
Conclusion
You can live comfortably in Jacksonville without breaking the bank — rents are reasonable, utilities and basics stay predictable, and overall costs sit about 21.2% below the national average. If you’re renting, expect roughly $1,445 for a one‑bed plus $340 utilities; homeowners plan for higher monthly totals. With clear budgeting and a realistic salary target, you’ll turn numbers into freedom — like sunlight through window blinds, small choices brighten your whole month.
