Cost of Living in Jacksonville, NC

An Overview of Cost of Living in Jacksonville, NC

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Jacksonville? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Jacksonville stands at 97, making it 3% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Jacksonville is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Jacksonville?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 11 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Jacksonville. The feedback revealed that 9% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 91% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Jacksonville Affordable?

Wondering if Jacksonville is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Jacksonville, for example, the median home price is 15% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 8.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Jacksonville boasting a median household income of $45,754, which is 17.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jacksonville?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Jacksonville, the utilities index is 1.8% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Jacksonville, the groceries index is 1.6% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Jacksonville, healthcare costs are 11.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Jacksonville, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.