Cost of Living in Duval County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Duval County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Duval County ranks #3,054 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Duval County, Florida
Duval's urban housing costs strain middle incomes
Duval County's 24.3% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability ceiling, despite the county's median household income of $68,447 being slightly below the national average of $74,755. The $1,385 median rent reflects Jacksonville's status as a major urban center where housing costs command premium prices relative to local earning power.
Duval ranks among Florida's less affordable counties
At 24.3%, Duval's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's more expensive markets. The $1,385 median rent runs $152 above the state average of $1,233, reflecting Jacksonville's significant metro status and concentrated demand.
Duval costs more than most comparison counties
Duval's $1,385 median rent significantly exceeds Clay County ($1,464—actually comparable despite different affordability), Columbia ($915), DeSoto ($910), and Dixie ($792). Homebuyers face median values of $274,900—higher than most rural peers but lower than premium Collier County's $486,800.
Renters face tighter budget constraints
Duval renters spend 24.3% of their $68,447 income on housing, while homeowners dedicate roughly 22.4% to monthly ownership costs on a $274,900 median home. Both figures leave less discretionary income than rural counties, making dual-income households or above-average earnings necessary for comfortable living.
Duval suits those prioritizing urban access
Consider Duval if job opportunities and urban amenities outweigh housing costs—Jacksonville offers major employment, culture, and services worth the premium pricing. For budget-conscious relocators, rural peers like Clay, Columbia, or DeSoto offer better affordability without sacrificing state residency.
Cost of Living Advisory: Duval County
Affordability Verdict
Duval County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,385/month — about 24.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,385/month rent versus $1,276/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $109/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $55,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,686/year. With a median household income of $68,447, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Duval County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Duval County is less affordable than Santa Rosa County by roughly 4% ($1,385/mo vs $1,445/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Duval County
Rent Burden
24.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,597
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.4%
of gross income
The median home in Duval County may be a stretch
Median home value is $274,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,195 vs. your max of $1,597.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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