Cost of Living in Jacksonville, NC
Population 73,507 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Jacksonville lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $192,000 — 37% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in North Carolina. At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 45 miles northeast of Wilmington, Jacksonville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jacksonville
The median home value in Jacksonville is $191,700 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,268/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,069/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.5°F and lows of 53.7°F. Overall, Jacksonville has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 59 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 87 | 89 | 88 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 35 | 38 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 71 | 67 | 55 | 44 | 38 |
| Precip" | 3.96 | 3.50 | 3.79 | 3.35 | 4.20 | 5.24 | 6.18 | 7.48 | 7.45 | 4.13 | 3.55 | 3.68 |
| Snow" | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville, NC?
Jacksonville has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jacksonville, NC?
The median gross rent in Jacksonville is $1,268 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jacksonville?
The median home value in Jacksonville is $191,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jacksonville?
The median household income in Jacksonville is $54,069 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jacksonville, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jacksonville is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Jacksonville, NC affordable?
Yes, Jacksonville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has average high temperatures of 73.5°F and average lows of 53.7°F. Annual precipitation is 56.5". Average annual snowfall is 0.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Jacksonville at a Glance
- Population
- 73,507
- Median Income
- $54,069
- Home Value
- $191,700
- Median Rent
- $1,268/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs