Austin vs Jacksonville

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $61,933 in Jacksonville.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $61,933 in Jacksonville. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 12%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Jacksonville

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,382/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Jacksonville offers one of the stronger value propositions for remote workers in Florida — beach proximity, no state income tax, and low housing costs relative to Miami and Tampa.
Walk Score
42
 
26
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Jacksonville
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Jacksonville each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Austin vs Jacksonville — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Jacksonville?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,382/mo in Jacksonville. Jacksonville has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Jacksonville to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $61,933 in Jacksonville — a reduction of about 12% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Jacksonville?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Jacksonville is in FL (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.