The cost of living in Jacksonville is about $3,421 per month after taxes for one adult, according to MIT’s 2026 Living Wage Calculator. That means earning roughly $48,037 a year before taxes for basic needs. Rent is moderate for a large Florida city: Zillow lists average rents of about $1,150 for a one-bedroom and $1,392 for a two-bedroom (October 2026). Florida also has no state personal income tax.
Quick Answer
- One adult needs about $3,421 a month after taxes ($48,037 a year before taxes) for basic needs.
- Two working adults with two children need about $8,222 a month after taxes ($109,985 a year before taxes).
- Zillow average rent is about $1,608 across all property types, $1,150 for a one-bedroom and $1,392 for a two-bedroom.
- The Census Bureau puts median household income at $69,872 and median gross rent at $1,465 (2020–2024).
Cost of Living in Jacksonville: Typical Monthly Budget
No single number captures what a household spends in Jacksonville. MIT’s basic-needs model, current asking rents and Census income data each answer a different question. The table converts MIT’s February 2026 annual estimates into monthly amounts.
| Category (monthly) | One adult | 2 working adults + 2 children |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,354 | $1,657 |
| Food | $377 | $1,103 |
| Transportation | $738 | $1,237 |
| Medical | $261 | $933 |
| Childcare | $0 | $1,827 |
| Internet and mobile | $137 | $185 |
| Civic and household participation | $215 | $546 |
| Other necessities | $339 | $733 |
| Total after taxes | $3,421 | $8,222 |
| Required income before taxes (yearly) | $48,037 | $109,985 |
These are basic-needs numbers, not a comfortable lifestyle. Add savings, debt payments, subscriptions and entertainment on top.
Housing Costs: Renting vs. Buying in Jacksonville
Zillow’s Jacksonville rental data (updated October 20, 2026) shows these average rents:
| Unit type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| All bedrooms and property types | $1,608 |
| One-bedroom | $1,150 |
| Two-bedroom | $1,392 |
The overall average is higher because it includes single-family homes. The Census Bureau reports a median gross rent of $1,465 for Jacksonville in 2020–2024, which includes tenant-paid utilities.
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent?
A common guideline keeps rent near 30% of gross income. A $1,150 one-bedroom points to about $46,000 a year ($1,150 × 12 ÷ 0.30), and a $1,392 two-bedroom to about $55,700. It is a rule of thumb, not a landlord requirement.
Buying a Home
The Census Bureau reports a median owner-occupied home value of $293,700 in Jacksonville for 2020–2024. Current sale prices are likely higher, so check recent listings. Add property tax, homeowners insurance, flood or wind coverage where needed, and maintenance to the mortgage payment. Florida insurance costs can vary a lot by location and home age, so get quotes before you buy.
Utilities and Internet
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average Florida household paid about $156 a month for electricity in 2024. Summer air conditioning drives much of that. Water, sewer, gas and trash are extra, depending on the home. MIT budgets about $137 a month for internet and mobile service for one adult.
Groceries and Dining Out
MIT’s basic food budget is about $377 a month for one adult and $1,103 for a family of four. That assumes mostly home cooking. Restaurant meals, alcohol and delivery fees are extra, so track dining separately.
Healthcare Costs
MIT budgets about $261 a month for medical costs for one adult and $933 for a family of four. Real costs depend on employer coverage, marketplace subsidies, deductibles and prescriptions. Compare premium, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum together.
Transportation Costs
MIT budgets about $738 a month ($8,850 a year) for one adult’s transportation, which assumes a car. The Census mean commute is 24.1 minutes. Fuel, insurance, registration and maintenance are the main costs.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) runs the bus network, and the downtown Skyway automated monorail is free. Check JTA’s fares and passes page for current bus fares.
Taxes and Everyday Expenses
Florida has no state personal income tax, which helps take-home pay. You still pay federal income tax, payroll taxes and sales tax, which in Duval County is about 7.5%. Confirm the current rate with the Florida Department of Revenue.
What Salary Do You Need in Jacksonville?
- Basic needs, one adult: $48,037 a year before taxes (MIT).
- Rent a one-bedroom at the 30% guideline: about $46,000 a year.
- Median household income: $69,872 (Census, 2020–2024). This is for households, not individuals.
- Family of four, two working adults: $109,985 a year before taxes (MIT).
Plan above MIT’s number if you want savings, a larger home or fewer compromises.
Moving and One-Time Costs
Budget for a security deposit, application fees, moving help or truck rental, utility setup and basic furnishings. Get at least two moving quotes and ask landlords what is included. Keep a cash buffer for the first month, since deposits and setup costs arrive before your first full paycheck in a new place.
How to Lower Your Jacksonville Cost of Living
- Compare rent plus commute, not rent alone.
- Get homeowners or renters insurance quotes from several providers.
- Set thermostat schedules and seal windows to cut summer cooling costs.
- Cook at home most days and track restaurant spending.
- Choose a home near work or a bus route to cut fuel costs.
Compare Jacksonville With Other Florida Cities
Weighing Florida cities? Compare this budget with the Orlando cost of living, the Tampa cost of living and the Miami cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Jacksonville, FL?
MIT estimates that one adult needs about $48,037 a year before taxes (about $3,421 a month after taxes) for basic needs. A comfortable budget with savings and some entertainment needs more, depending on rent, car costs and debt.
What is the average cost of living in Jacksonville, FL?
For one adult with no children, MIT’s basic-needs budget is about $3,421 a month after taxes. For two working adults with two children it is about $8,222 a month after taxes.
What is the average rent in Jacksonville, Florida?
Zillow lists average rents of about $1,150 for a one-bedroom and $1,392 for a two-bedroom in Jacksonville as of October 2026. The average across all property types, including houses, is about $1,608.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida has no state personal income tax, but you still pay federal income tax, payroll taxes and sales tax.
Is Jacksonville cheaper than other big Florida cities?
Rents are often lower than in South Florida, but prices vary by neighborhood and unit type. Compare current listings for each city and include insurance and commute costs.
Conclusion
Jacksonville offers moderate rents and no state income tax, which helps stretch a paycheck. A single adult needs about $3,421 a month after taxes for basic needs, and a family of four with two working adults needs about $8,222. Price your housing, commute and insurance first, then add savings and extras.
