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Jacksonville vs Tampa: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Tampa is 5% more expensive than Jacksonville. Tampa is 4% safer. Jacksonville has more comfortable months (8 vs 8). Jacksonville population: 1,017,689. Tampa population: 413,554.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingJacksonville
SafetyTampa
WeatherTie
HousingJacksonville

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Jacksonville vs Tampa

Jacksonville is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 105 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 5 index points.

CategoryJacksonvilleTampa
Overall Index100105
Housing$2,047/moIndex: 115$2,314/moIndex: 130
Groceries$410/moIndex: 100$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$350/moIndex: 100$357/moIndex: 102
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$224/moIndex: 102

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Jacksonville vs Tampa

Tampa is 4% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents vs Jacksonville's 23.6. Tampa earns a B- safety grade compared to Jacksonville's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Jacksonville

Florida

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.6/1K
TrendDeclining
B-

Tampa

Florida

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate22.7/1K
TrendImproving
MetricJacksonvilleTampa
Overall Crime Rate23.6/1K22.7/1K
Violent Crime Rate448.7436.9
Property Crime Rate1908.61835.0
Murder Rate7.18.3
Assault Rate379.7301.7
Robbery Rate59.1111.7
Burglary Rate253.8293.5
Theft Rate1331.51136.0
Vehicle Theft Rate299.7330.9

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 44 in Tampa.

Climate: Jacksonville vs Tampa

Jacksonville Climate Overview

Annual High79.5°F
Annual Low58.9°F
Annual Rain50.2"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months8
Best MonthApril
Worst MonthAugust
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Tampa Climate Overview

Annual High82.4°F
Annual Low64.8°F
Annual Rain46.3"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months8
Best MonthNovember
Worst MonthAugust
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Monthly Temperature Comparison

JacksonvilleTampaHigh/Low °F range
40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricJacksonvilleTampa
Avg Annual High79.5°F82.4°F
Avg Annual Low58.9°F64.8°F
Annual Rain50.2"46.3"
Annual SnowNoneNone
Comfortable Months88
Freezing Months00

Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Jacksonville is 10°F colder in winter than Tampa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacksonville cheaper than Tampa?
Jacksonville is 5% more affordable than Tampa, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 105 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,047/mo in Jacksonville vs $2,314/mo in Tampa.
Is Jacksonville safer than Tampa?
Tampa is 4% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents vs Jacksonville's 23.6. Tampa earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Jacksonville or Tampa?
Tampa is 2.9000000000000057°F warmer on average as Jacksonville. Jacksonville has more comfortable months (8 vs 8). Neither city gets significant snow.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa is safer (B- grade). Jacksonville is more affordable (index 100 vs 105). Jacksonville has better year-round weather. Jacksonville has a population of 1,017,689 and Tampa has 413,554. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Jacksonville compared to Tampa?
Jacksonville has a population of 1,017,689 and Tampa has 413,554. Jacksonville is 146% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Jacksonville or Tampa?
Housing is cheaper in Jacksonville. Estimated monthly housing costs: Jacksonville $2,047/mo vs Tampa $2,314/mo. That's based on a housing index of 115 vs 130 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Jacksonville Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
B-
Tampa Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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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