True Cost of Renting in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the contiguous US, and that sprawl defines its rental market. Two major naval installations — Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville — create steady demand from military families who receive housing allowances. The St Johns River divides the city into distinct markets with surprisingly different rent levels.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

San Marco

Studio:
$1,300/mo
1 Bed:
$1,700/mo
2 Bed:
$2,200/mo

Historic neighborhood south of Downtown on the St Johns River; walkable town center with boutique shops and restaurants. Mix of historic apartment buildings and newer construction. JEA electric rates are generally lower than FPL. Good access to Downtown via I-95 or Kings Avenue.

Riverside / Avondale

Studio:
$1,200/mo
1 Bed:
$1,500/mo
2 Bed:
$2,000/mo

Established arts and culture district west of Downtown; craftsman-era apartment buildings and converted historic homes. Riverside Arts Market on Saturdays. I-10 access makes this a solid base for both Downtown and Northside employment. Older buildings may have older electrical panels — budget for higher utility bills.

Southside

Studio:
$1,100/mo
1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$1,900/mo

Sprawling suburban area south of the river along I-95 and Phillips Highway; lower rents with newer apartment complexes near St Johns Town Center. Car-dependent but significant employment in healthcare (UF Health, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville campus) and logistics.

Utility Providers

Electric
JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority)
Water
JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority)
Internet
Comcast Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet

Commute & Transportation

Naval Station Mayport sits at the mouth of the St Johns River, 20 miles east of Downtown on Mayport Road (FL-101). Naval Air Station Jacksonville is 8 miles southwest of Downtown off I-295. Military personnel and civilian contractors frequently commute from Southside or the Beaches communities. I-95 bisects the city north-south, connecting Downtown to Southside and beyond to Daytona Beach (90 miles south). The Hart Expressway (I-295) forms a beltway around the urban core. The Jacksonville Skyway monorail serves a limited Downtown corridor. Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville campus employs 3,000+ on University Blvd North. Most Jacksonville employment requires a car — transit is limited outside Downtown.

Rental Market Overview

Jacksonville's rental market is shaped by military housing allowances (BAH rates for E-5 with dependents hover around $1,800–2,000/mo), healthcare sector growth, and a large logistics and distribution industry near the port. JEA, the city-owned utility, has historically offered more competitive electric rates than FPL or Duke Energy, keeping utility costs lower for Jacksonville renters. Rents rose 20–25% from 2021 to 2023 but have moderated, making Jacksonville one of Florida's most affordable major metros. The city's sheer size (874 square miles) means commute time and transportation costs can vary dramatically by neighborhood — a cheap apartment far from work may cost more all-in than a pricier unit near your employer.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Jacksonville

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Renting in Jacksonville: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Jacksonville?
One-bedroom apartments in Jacksonville range from $1,400/month in Southside to $1,700/month in San Marco. Two-bedroom units range from $1,900 to $2,200/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Jacksonville?
In Jacksonville, electricity is provided by JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority), water by JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority), and common internet providers include Comcast Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Jacksonville?
Southside is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Jacksonville, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,400/month. Sprawling suburban area south of the river along I-95 and Phillips Highway; lower rents with newer apartment complexes near St Johns Town Center. Car-dependent but significant employment in healthcare (UF Health, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville campus) and logistics. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Jacksonville expensive to rent in?
Jacksonville's rental market is shaped by military housing allowances (BAH rates for E-5 with dependents hover around $1,800–2,000/mo), healthcare sector growth, and a large logistics and distribution industry near the port. JEA, the city-owned utility, has historically offered more competitive electric rates than FPL or Duke Energy, keeping utility costs lower for Jacksonville renters. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Jacksonville — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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