This detailed comparison between Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbus, Ohio aims to give you a comprehensive insight into the lifestyle, economy, and social aspects of both cities. Each section provides detailed information about essential factors such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, economy, infrastructures, and others. This comparison is ideal for those contemplating a move as well as those planning a visit to either city.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Columbus, OH : 672.3 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 5%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Columbus has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) during that time.
Both Jacksonville and Columbus have crime rates above the national average, not unusual considering their large populations. However, Jacksonville's crime rate is slightly higher than Columbus, especially violent crime. While neither city is absent of crime, neighborhood selection can significantly affect one's safety level. It's important to research the safest areas in both cities before making a decision.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than in Columbus. This difference primarily comes from housing costs, which are significantly lower in Jacksonville.
Income Tax
Florida does not have a state income tax, which is beneficial for Jacksonville residents. Ohio residents, on the other hand, pay state income tax. The rate varies between 0 to 4.797% depending on income.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Jacksonville are lower than in Columbus. This is another factor that contributes to Jacksonville's lower cost of living.
Sales Tax
Florida has a 6% sales tax, and an additional 1% in Jacksonville city/county taxes. Ohio has a state sales tax of 5.75%, and Columbus collects an additional 2.5%.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$58,202
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$32,392
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $54,417 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Jacksonville is located along the eastern coast of Florida, offering beautiful beaches and riverfront activities. Columbus, situated in Ohio's heartland, has diverse scenery that includes rivers, parks, and a few small hills.
While both cities have a range of public and private schooling options, Columbus has a slightly higher graduation rate. Both cities house renowned universities - University of North Florida in Jacksonville and Ohio State University in Columbus.
The job market is sizeable in both cities, each having diverse opportunities. However, Jacksonville has a stronger focus on the manufacturing and transport sectors, while Columbus leans more towards education, health services, and government roles.
Biggest Employers
In Jacksonville, the biggest employers are the Naval Air Station, Duval County Public schools, and Baptist Health. In Columbus, Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, and JPMorgan Chase are the largest employers.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
2020
51.3%
64.7%
47.5%
33.4%
1.2%
1.9%
2016
47.2%
59.8%
48.6%
33.9%
4.2%
6.2%
2012
47.9%
60.8%
51.5%
37.9%
0.6%
1.3%
2008
49.0%
59.8%
51.0%
39.0%
0.0%
1.2%
2004
41.7%
54.5%
57.9%
45.2%
0.3%
0.3%
2000
40.9%
48.9%
57.7%
47.9%
1.4%
3.2%
1996
44.2%
48.1%
50.0%
44.5%
5.8%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
1.6%
22.3%
6.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
13.2%
2.8%
5.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.4%
2.3%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.3%
0.6%
1.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.6%
0.9%
3.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.4%
2.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.0%
0.2%
3.3%
VINEYARD USA
0.1%
1.3%
0.2%
1.2%
Weather
Jacksonville boasts pleasant weather year-round, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. This weather makes it a great city for outdoor enthusiasts. Columbus, on the other hand, experiences a typical Midwestern climate - hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Those who prefer a whiter winter might enjoy the Columbus climate more.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
52.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
39.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
56.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
12%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
49.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
55%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
28%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
Jacksonville
Columbus
2018
78
69
N/A
0.11
10.0
N/A
24.5
33.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
6.0
N/A
0.0
2017
74
68
N/A
0.16
9.6
N/A
24.7
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
5.5
0.7
0.1
2016
65
76
0.50
0.17
10.6
N/A
24.9
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
5.6
0.4
0.1
2015
63
74
0.35
0.16
11.3
N/A
25.4
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
6.1
0.3
0.1
2014
66
82
0.27
0.20
11.0
N/A
24.3
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.9
7.4
0.7
0.5
2013
68
78
0.18
N/A
8.9
N/A
23.0
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.3
7.8
0.7
0.6
2012
66
87
0.10
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.0
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
8.9
0.6
N/A
2011
88
89
0.28
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.6
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
8.9
0.8
N/A
2010
77
90
0.31
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
30.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
9.1
0.8
N/A
2009
72
61
0.16
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.0
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
N/A
0.6
N/A
2008
75
65
0.15
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.6
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.9
1.8
2007
92
80
0.29
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.4
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
N/A
1.2
2.8
2006
87
75
0.35
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.0
30.0
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
10.8
N/A
1.4
3.3
2005
93
87
0.42
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.5
29.6
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
12.2
N/A
1.8
4.1
2004
92
77
0.40
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.2
27.8
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.4
4.4
2003
55
91
0.43
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.6
26.4
N/A
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
4.1
2002
59
93
0.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.2
31.3
0.003
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
4.1
2001
74
84
0.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.0
29.2
0.009
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
3.5
2000
85
57
0.52
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
119.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
96.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
16%
Transportation
Public transportation in both cities could use improvement, however, Jacksonville’s size mandates the use of a car for most people. Columbus has a more accessible public transportation system with its COTA bus system.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
566
415
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
1.1%
1.6%
Carpooled
9%
7.4%
Car alone
86.5%
86.7%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.2%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Average
27.5 min
26.1 min
Other means
25 min
21.7 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
35.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
8%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Jacksonville is cheaper compared to Columbus, with more options for waterfront properties due to its coastal location. Columbus real estate market is also strong, but with a focus on suburban and downtown high-rise living.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have diverse range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. In Jacksonville, neighborhoods like San Marco and Springfield are popular, while in Columbus, German Village and Short North are desirable locations.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Houses
422,315
422,120
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1985
1982
Median year house/condo built
1987
1977
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
390,605 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
175,427 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
215,178 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$1,371
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,110
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$195,022
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$219,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$233,452
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$121,729
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$215,337
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$240,711
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$121,578
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$218,726
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$229,736
Median house age
36
42
Renting percentage
38.3%
53%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
2,007.5
House value disparities
33.2%
30.2%
Household income disparities
44.2%
42.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$89,058
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$59,295
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
4,290 (3.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
10,651 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
125,487 (96.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
775 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
13,558 (10.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
1.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Columbus
One, detached
59.4%
45.8%
One, attached
6.1%
9.1%
Two
2.1%
4.0%
3 or 4
5.3%
8.6%
5 to 9
5.0%
11.8%
10 to 19
7.9%
8.6%
20 to 49
4.9%
4.5%
50 or more
5.3%
6.8%
Mobile homes
3.8%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,601
20,915
State government workers
13,692
31,881
Unpaid family workers
1,066
724
Industries and Occupations
The major industries in Jacksonville are transportation, logistics, health care, and banking. In Columbus, education and government sectors, as well as health services industry, predominate.
Both cities provide quality health care systems. Jacksonville is home to Mayo Clinic, which is frequently ranked among the best hospitals in the U.S. Columbus offers access to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, another nationally ranked facility.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Jacksonville infrastructure includes international airports, shipping ports, and expansive highway systems, making travel in and out of the city seamless. Columbus also has excellent infrastructure, including an international airport and interstate highways. However, Jacksonville’s infrastructure is a bit more extensive due to its coastal location.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Columbus
Hospitals
25
47
TV stations
17
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
191
200
Bank institutions located here
31
25
Main business address for public companies
23
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
17
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Columbus
1999
5,422
2,450
2000
4,132
2,376
2001
3,038
1,897
2002
2,017
1,483
2003
3,563
2,087
2004
4,781
3,216
2005
7,134
4,275
2006
8,812
4,662
2007
5,298
2,679
2008
1,719
1,015
2009
676
555
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich food cultures, featuring a mix of local and international delicacies. Jacksonville, being a coastal city, is known for its fresh seafood. Additionally, it hosts multiple cultural and music festivals each year. Columbus boasts a dynamic arts scene, and a food culture that includes numerous food trucks and microbreweries.
Sports Teams
In Jacksonville, the NFL's Jaguars are a central part of the city's culture. Columbus is home to the NHL's Blue Jackets, Ohio State University's Buckeyes, and the MLS's Columbus Crew.
Jacksonville, FL
Columbus, OH
Jacksonville, FL and 
Columbus, OH : 672.3 miles
