Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Jacksonville is 10% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $67,217 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) match Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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