Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Jacksonville is 7% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to $69,853 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 · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Raleigh sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $370,000 in Raleigh, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,500 in Raleigh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Raleigh scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Raleigh (108).
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $67,266 in Raleigh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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