Cost of Living in Jacksonville, AL

Population 14,345 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

60
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Jacksonville run well below national norms — a median of $47,146 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $180,000). A poverty rate near 28% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Located 65 miles east of Birmingham, Jacksonville is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 30% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 59
Rent 60

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Jacksonville

The median home value in Jacksonville is $179,600 — 41% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $794/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,146/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. The climate averages highs of 74.0°F and lows of 52.2°F. Overall, Jacksonville has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$179,600
41% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$206,903
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$794/mo
40% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,079/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$646
1 BR
$688
2 BR
$857
3 BR
$1,132
4 BR
$1,309
Owner-occupied 50.7%
Renter-occupied 49.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$794
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,408/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.8 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
86.3%
Carpooled
5.5%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
7.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 5.2%
Property Tax 0.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$47,146
37% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,119
Unemployment Rate
7.6%
59% above avg
Poverty Rate
27.6%
Labor Force Participation
57.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%
Graduate degree 13.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 26.9
Male median age 26.2
Female median age 27.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.0°F
Avg Low
52.2°F
Annual Precip
52.1"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 555967758288909085766557
Low °F 343744516067717064524137
Precip" 4.845.085.374.434.354.374.683.513.113.254.534.60

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jacksonville, AL?

Jacksonville has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.

What is average rent in Jacksonville, AL?

The median gross rent in Jacksonville is $794 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Jacksonville?

The median home value in Jacksonville is $179,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Jacksonville?

The median household income in Jacksonville is $47,146 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Jacksonville, AL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jacksonville is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Jacksonville, AL affordable?

Yes, Jacksonville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has average high temperatures of 74.0°F and average lows of 52.2°F. Annual precipitation is 52.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Jacksonville at a Glance

Population
14,345
Median Income
$47,146
Home Value
$179,600
Median Rent
$794/mo
Unemployment
7.6%
Avg High Temp
74.0°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
View all cities in Alabama →
🗺️ County data for Alabama

Explore county-level cost of living data

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