Factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Jacksonville
What to know before moving from Boston to Jacksonville
Moving from Boston to Jacksonville means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Jacksonville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to Jacksonville so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Boston | Jacksonville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,520 |
Average home value | $739,121 | $287,628 |
Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $64,138 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $2,696 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $6,605 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.9% |
Sales tax | 6.25% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 9.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Jacksonville are 55% lower than in Boston, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Jacksonville.
Home prices in Jacksonville are 61.1% lower than in Boston. - Income in Jacksonville is 28.1% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Jacksonville include FIS, Southeastern Grocers, and Winn-Dixie.
- The cost of living for a single person in Jacksonville is 44.1% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 41.6% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is 20.97% lower than in Boston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Jacksonville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Jacksonville are 20.00% higher than in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Jacksonville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,678.01 in Jacksonville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Jacksonville
Jacksonville | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,319 | 675,647 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 9 |
Walkability score | 26 | 98 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 86 |
Crime Index | 56.38 | 39.88 |
Safety Index | 43.62 | 60.12 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Jacksonville's population is about 44% greater than Boston.
- Jacksonville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- Jacksonville is less walkable than Boston with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
- Jacksonville has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Jacksonville's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 56.38 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Jacksonville is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 43.62 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Jacksonville is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston vs. Jacksonville move
- Weather: Jacksonville has hot humid summers, and warm to mild and drier winters. Seasonal rainfall is concentrated in the warmest months from May through September, when brief but intense downpours with thunder and lightning are common, while the driest months are from November through April. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain during your move.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ Division of Consumer Services.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Florida doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Jacksonville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Jacksonville
Ready to relocate to "Jax"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Jacksonville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Riverside
- Brooklyn
- Baymeadows
- Secret Cove
- South Riverside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beacon Hills & Harbour
- Deercreek
- Orange Park
- Ortega Forest
- Sandalwood
Things to do in Jacksonville
After settling into your new Florida home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jacksonville has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Jacksonville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, and Mandarin Museum & Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Jacksonville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Boston to Jacksonville. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Jacksonville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to Jacksonville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to Jacksonville take?
The 1,147-mile journey from Boston, MA to Jacksonville, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Boston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jacksonville.