Cost of Living: Jacksonville vs Oklahoma (2026)

Jacksonville earns its position at #1 through a combination that's hard to replicate. The 92 cost index sits 19 points below the national baseline, and the $66,981 — for better or worse — median income means purchasing power here is amplified by the low cost base. Homes list at $282,367 — $185,003 below the national median — a genuine ownership opportunity. On the cost side, Housing leads the way at 92, while Healthcare trails at 98 (not adjusted for inflation, but still telling).

The ranking uses a composite of 2026 data from Census Bureau population/income surveys, Zillow rent and home price indices, BLS salary benchmarks, and Tax Foundation tax rates. Jacksonville (index 92, rent $1,576); Oklahoma (index 73, rent $1,255). Each city profile below links to the full detail page with 12-month trends, salary breakdowns, and cost category comparisons.

Keep reading — the next section adds critical context. Nationally, the 288 cities in our database average a cost index of 111 — we had to double-check this one — , rent of $1,895/month, and household income of $80,367. The cities in this ranking significantly outperform those benchmarks. In the context of rising national rents, this stability is worth noting.

Bottom line: Jacksonville, FL leads this ranking for clear, data-backed reasons — but the "best" city depends on your priorities. Click into any city below to see the full detail page with 12-month trend charts, profession-specific salary data, and a breakdown of all five cost categories. If you're seriously considering a move, use our salary calculator to model your specific income against these numbers.