For those who want to live in Florida but find Miami too expensive, Jacksonville is considered a quite realistic alternative.

Jacksonville's cost of living index is 98, which is about 2% lower than the national average (100). Compared to other cities in Florida, such as Miami (128), Fort Myers (108), Orlando (105), and Tampa (105), Jacksonville ranks as the most affordable. It's noteworthy that, despite being in Florida, its cost of living is below the national average.

Housing costs appear to be one of Jacksonville's biggest advantages. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is estimated to be around $1,350 to $1,600 per month, which is lower than the national median rent. Particularly in suburban areas like Southside and Orange Park, there are opportunities to find larger spaces at even lower rents. According to Zillow, the median price of single-family homes also remains significantly lower compared to Miami or Tampa.

Grocery costs tend to be similar to or slightly lower than the national average. For a family of four, a monthly budget of around $800 is often sufficient, and utilizing large discount stores like Costco and ALDI can lead to additional savings. Jacksonville has some Korean grocery stores, so purchasing Korean ingredients is generally not a major inconvenience.

Transportation costs can be higher in Jacksonville, as it is one of the largest cities in the U.S. by area, which may lead to longer driving distances. When combining monthly fuel costs, car insurance, and maintenance, expenses can reach around $500, and the low public transportation usage makes it difficult to live without a personal vehicle. However, fuel prices themselves are similar to the national average.

Utilities may be higher due to the long air conditioning usage times caused by Florida's climate, but Jacksonville's higher latitude compared to Miami tends to reduce the annual cooling burden somewhat. The combined monthly cost for electricity, water, and gas is estimated to be around $300. The lack of a state income tax in Florida also applies in Jacksonville, which is advantageous in terms of disposable income.

When specifically comparing with other cities in Florida, Jacksonville (98) is lower than Tampa (105), Orlando (105), and Fort Myers (108), and it is nearly 30 points lower than Miami (128). Cities with similar cost of living indices include Columbia in South Carolina and some cities in North Carolina. Jacksonville has a developed naval base and finance and logistics industries, providing a decent number of job opportunities.

For Korean households, Jacksonville is one of the few cities where they can experience life in Florida without a heavy cost of living burden. With a cost of living index of 98, which is lower than the national average, the quality of life may not be too bad even with the same income. However, compared to larger cities, the Korean community and cultural infrastructure may be limited, so it would be wise to consider this when making a decision to settle down.