Jacksonville vs Miami: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Miami is 45% more expensive than Jacksonville. Jacksonville is 46% safer. Jacksonville has more comfortable months (8 vs 7). Jacksonville population: 1,017,689. Miami population: 489,812.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Jacksonville vs Miami
Jacksonville is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 145 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 45 index points.
| Category | Jacksonville | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 100 | 145 |
| Housing | $2,047/moIndex: 115 | $4,094/moIndex: 230 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $443/moIndex: 108 |
| Transportation | $350/moIndex: 100 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $220/moIndex: 100 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Jacksonville vs Miami
Jacksonville is 46% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.6 per 1,000 residents vs Miami's 43.5. Jacksonville earns a C+ safety grade compared to Miami's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Jacksonville
Florida
Miami
Florida
| Metric | Jacksonville | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 23.6/1K | 43.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 448.7 | 550.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1908.6 | 3800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 7.1 | 6.9 |
| Assault Rate | 379.7 | 447.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 59.1 | 96.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 253.8 | 642.6 |
| Theft Rate | 1331.5 | 2529.9 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 299.7 | 558.7 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Jacksonville, you have a 1 in 42 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 23 in Miami.
Climate: Jacksonville vs Miami
Jacksonville Climate Overview
Miami Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 79.5°F | 84.6°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 58.9°F | 71°F |
| Annual Rain | 50.2" | 61.7" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 8 | 7 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Jacksonville is 20°F colder in winter than Miami. Miami is wetter with 62" of annual rain compared to 50". Jacksonville has more comfortable weather months (8 vs 7).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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