Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Jacksonville is 4% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $71,970 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) match Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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