Jacksonville affordability tracker.
Median home price vs. median household income. Monthly payments at current rates. What income it actually takes to qualify for a typical Jacksonville home in 2026.
The Jacksonville affordability picture.
Jacksonville is historically one of Florida's more affordable major metros, but the combination of price appreciation since 2020 and elevated mortgage rates has stretched local affordability meaningfully.
At a median household income around $74K and a median home price around $400K, the price-to-income ratio sits at roughly 5.4x. The long-run healthy range is generally considered 3.0-4.5x. We're above that — though still well below ratios in Miami (7-8x) or coastal California (10x+).
What that means practically: buyers earning the local median income increasingly need to compromise on location, size, or condition to buy in Jacksonville. The first-time buyer market has gotten harder, but it remains achievable, particularly with FHA financing, down payment assistance programs, and a willingness to look outside St. Johns County.
| Home Price | Down Payment (20%) | Monthly Payment* | Income to Qualify** |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $50,000 | $1,750 | $62K |
| $350,000 | $70,000 | $2,450 | $87K |
| $450,000 | $90,000 | $3,150 | $112K |
| $550,000 | $110,000 | $3,860 | $138K |
| $750,000 | $150,000 | $5,260 | $188K |
| $1,000,000 | $200,000 | $7,010 | $250K |
*Monthly payment assumes 30-yr fixed at ~6.75% (estimated market rate range), includes principal, interest, taxes (1.2%), and insurance. **Income to qualify assumes payment ≤ 28% of gross monthly income.
Buy vs. rent in Jacksonville right now.
The buy-vs-rent decision in Jacksonville depends heavily on how long you'll stay and how much you'd put down. With current mortgage rates and modest annual appreciation expectations, the break-even between buying and renting typically lands around 4-6 years.
If you'll move in under 3 years, renting almost always wins on pure math (transaction costs eat the appreciation). If you'll stay 5+ years, owning typically wins, especially with the Florida homestead exemption capping property tax growth.
| Scenario | Monthly Cost | 5-Yr Total Outlay | Equity Built (Buy Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent comparable home | $2,400 | $144K | $0 |
| Buy $400K home (20% down) | $2,850* | $251K** | ~$48K |
| Buy $400K home (10% down) | $3,200* | $232K** | ~$30K |
| Buy $400K home (FHA 3.5%) | $3,450* | $247K** | ~$22K |
*Includes P&I, taxes, insurance, est. maintenance. **Total outlay including down payment but excluding equity recovered at sale. Estimated values; individual results vary.
If you're sitting on the fence between buying and renting in Jacksonville, the answer is almost always: how long will you stay? Under 3 years, rent. Over 5 years and you can afford the payment without strain, buy. The 3-5 year zone is genuinely a coin flip — depends on what specific home, what specific rent, and your personal risk tolerance on selling early if life changes.
Median home price pulled from NEFAR RealMLS YTD data. Median household income from U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year estimates for Jacksonville MSA. Mortgage payment calculations use a 30-year fixed rate in the current market range (verify current rate with your lender); income-to-qualify uses the standard 28% front-end DTI threshold. Property tax estimated at 1.2% (varies by county; St. Johns runs lower, Duval slightly higher). Homeowners insurance estimated at $2,400-$3,600/year (Florida coastal markets run higher).
Primary sources: NEFAR median sale data · Census ACS income data · Freddie Mac PMMS rate data · Momentum Realty mortgage analysis. Data accuracy reflects Momentum Realty's best available information as of the last update date. Specific values for individual properties, communities, or transactions may differ.
Important: Information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, tax, or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Affiliated Business Arrangement: The principal owners of Momentum Realty, Jon Brooks and Brittany Brooks, have a 50% ownership interest in Titan Title Services LLC. You are not required to use Titan Title Services LLC. There are frequently other settlement service providers available with similar services; you are free to shop around to determine that you are receiving the best services and rate. See full disclosures →
Last updated: Q2 2026 (May). Next refresh: Q3 2026 (August).