Factors that influence moving costs from Houston to Jacksonville
What to know before moving from Houston to Jacksonville
Moving from Houston 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 Houston than in Jacksonville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Houston compares to Jacksonville so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Houston | Jacksonville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,520 |
Average home value | $263,945 | $287,628 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $64,138 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,696 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $6,605 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.9% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Jacksonville are 2% lower than in Houston, 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 Houston.
Home prices in Jacksonville are 9.0% higher than in Houston. - Income in Jacksonville is 8.2% lower than in Houston, 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 2.7% lower than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 7.7% lower than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is 19.51% higher than in Houston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Jacksonville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Jacksonville are 9.09% lower than in Houston.
- State income taxes are the same in Jacksonville and Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,919.86 in Jacksonville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Jacksonville
Jacksonville | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,319 | 2,301,572 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 5 |
Walkability score | 26 | 47 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 49 |
Crime Index | 56.38 | 63.5 |
Safety Index | 43.62 | 36.5 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Jacksonville's population is about 58% less than Houston.
- Jacksonville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Houston's higher score of 5.
- Jacksonville is less walkable than Houston with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 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 Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
- Jacksonville's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 56.38 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Jacksonville is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 43.62 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Jacksonville is good, and in Houston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Houston 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Florida doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Jacksonville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Jacksonville
With your sights set on "Jax", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Jacksonville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Riverside
- Brooklyn
- Baymeadows
- South Riverside
- Windy Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deercreek
- Oceanway
- Orange Park
- Ortega Forest
- Sandalwood
Things to do in Jacksonville
Once youโre settled into your new home in Florida, itโs time to get out and discover what Jacksonville has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Jacksonville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Jacksonville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to Jacksonville. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Jacksonville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Houston 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 Houston to Jacksonville take?
The 870-mile journey from Houston, TX to Jacksonville, FL typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Houston 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.