Jacksonville and Miami are two major cities in the state of Florida, each offering a unique blend of experiences, cultures, and lifestyles. While Jacksonville offers a more relaxed, laid-back vibe with a focus on outdoor living, Miami paints a more colorful picture with its rich mix of cultures, lively nightlife, and world-famous beaches. Both cities have a lot of perks, but also some drawbacks, whether you are considering relocating or just touring.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Miami, FL : 325.1 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 117%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Miami has grown by 77,420 people (21.4%) during that time.
Miami has a slightly higher crime rate compared to Jacksonville. However, the crime rates depend largely on the neighborhood, so safety can vary greatly within each city. Both cities have efforts in place to decrease crime rates and improve safety. For tourists, common sense precautions such as not displaying valuable items and staying in well-populated areas during night time apply in both cities.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Miami is significantly higher than in Jacksonville. Housing is the most significant cost difference. However, the average wage in Miami is also higher to offset these costs.
Income Tax
Florida does not have a state income tax, so neither Miami nor Jacksonville impose this on residents.
Property Tax
The average property tax in Miami-Dade County is slightly higher than in Duval County, where Jacksonville is located. But overall, Florida's property taxes are close to the national average.
Sales Tax
The state sales tax in Florida is 6%, but Miami charges an additional 1% for a total of 7%. Jacksonville also charges an additional 1%, making its total 7% as well.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$48,789
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$37,223
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
110.1
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $62,344 in Miami to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches and is somewhat flatter, with a much higher chance of flooding due to its lower elevation. Jacksonville also offers beautiful beaches as well as more topographical variety, including parks and forests.
Both cities have a good selection of public and private schools. Miami's high schools have been rated higher than those in Jacksonville. In terms of higher education, both cities have multiple universities and colleges, with Miami boasting the larger international student population.
Jacksonville’s economy is primarily driven by military, banking, logistics, healthcare, and tourism sectors, whereas Miami's economy is more diverse, with key industries being finance, international trade, tourism, media, and agriculture. Both cities have a similar unemployment rate, but the job growth rate is higher in Miami.
Biggest Employers
In Jacksonville, the biggest employers are Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, and the City of Jacksonville. In Miami, the main employers are Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Federal Government, and Jackson Health System.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 102 building permits issued in Miami in 2012 (81 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Miami (Miami-Dade County), 61.8% voted for Democrats and 38.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
2020
51.3%
53.5%
47.5%
46.2%
1.2%
0.3%
2016
47.2%
63.4%
48.6%
33.9%
4.2%
2.7%
2012
47.9%
61.8%
51.5%
38.0%
0.6%
0.3%
2008
49.0%
58.1%
51.0%
41.9%
0.0%
0.0%
2004
41.7%
53.0%
57.9%
46.7%
0.3%
0.3%
2000
40.9%
52.7%
57.7%
46.4%
1.4%
0.9%
1996
44.2%
57.3%
50.0%
37.9%
5.8%
4.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
3.2%
22.3%
21.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
21.8%
2.8%
4.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.5%
2.3%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.9%
0.6%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
1.1%
1.4%
4.3%
Weather
Both cities feature a tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Jacksonville, being more to the north, has slightly cooler temperatures, and is less prone to hurricanes than Miami. However, sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean help to moderate temperatures in both cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
77.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
60 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
76.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
63%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
9.1 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Miami, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
Jacksonville
Miami
2018
78
72
N/A
0.24
2.7
N/A
24.5
31.8
N/A
N/A
15.5
N/A
7.1
8.6
N/A
0.3
2017
74
80
N/A
0.27
3.0
N/A
24.7
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
8.5
0.7
0.4
2016
65
68
0.50
0.30
2.9
N/A
24.9
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
7.2
0.4
0.0
2015
63
62
0.35
0.23
2.4
N/A
25.4
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
8.2
0.3
0.0
2014
66
71
0.27
0.21
3.8
N/A
24.3
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.9
8.0
0.7
0.0
2013
68
64
0.18
0.22
3.1
N/A
23.0
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.3
7.9
0.7
0.0
2012
66
71
0.10
0.19
2.9
N/A
24.0
32.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
8.7
0.6
0.0
2011
88
72
0.28
0.16
3.0
N/A
26.6
32.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
8.7
0.8
0.0
2010
77
77
0.31
0.31
4.2
N/A
26.4
32.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
9.1
0.8
0.0
2009
72
67
0.16
0.53
3.3
N/A
25.0
31.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
9.1
0.6
0.0
2008
75
95
0.15
0.55
3.8
N/A
27.6
31.0
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
10.0
10.5
0.9
0.0
2007
92
94
0.29
0.59
5.0
N/A
28.4
33.5
N/A
N/A
21.9
N/A
11.4
10.5
1.2
0.0
2006
87
87
0.35
0.48
5.8
N/A
29.0
34.6
N/A
N/A
22.3
N/A
10.8
10.2
1.4
0.0
2005
93
75
0.42
0.55
6.0
N/A
26.5
31.8
N/A
N/A
18.8
N/A
12.2
8.7
1.8
0.0
2004
92
69
0.40
1.02
5.9
N/A
25.2
31.3
N/A
N/A
19.5
N/A
12.4
8.5
1.4
0.3
2003
55
70
0.43
0.99
6.5
N/A
21.6
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
1.6
0.4
2002
59
75
0.49
0.71
6.3
N/A
22.2
30.2
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
1.7
2.1
2001
74
84
0.49
0.80
5.9
N/A
24.0
30.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
2.5
1.5
2000
85
66
0.52
0.89
6.7
N/A
25.1
31.1
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
63%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
10%
Transportation
Transportation options in Miami are more extensive than in Jacksonville, with a comprehensive public transit network including buses, Metrorail, and Metromover. Jacksonville is more car-centric, but it does have a bus and Skyway monorail system.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
566
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
159
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Bicycle
0.2%
0.8%
Bus
1.1%
3.8%
Carpooled
9%
8.5%
Car alone
86.5%
81.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.5%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.2%
Walked
1.2%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Average
27.5 min
33.7 min
Other means
25 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
89%
In 2 person carpool
8%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Miami has a more expensive real estate market than Jacksonville, with a higher average home price. Jacksonville offers a wider range of affordable housing options. The market in both cities is considered to be hot, attracting both domestic and international buyers.
Neighborhoods
Miami is known for its vibrant neighborhoods such as Little Havana, Wynwood, and the Art Deco Historic District. Jacksonville's neighborhoods like Ortega and Avondale offer a more tranquil, suburban living experience.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Houses
422,315
219,775
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1985
1981
Median year house/condo built
1987
1968
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
13.8 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
192,219 (87.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
58,463 (30.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
133,756 (69.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$2,006
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,456
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$1,201,540
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$411,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$499,839
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$427,603
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$107,725
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$570,126
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$238,353
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$768,446
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$550,392
Median house age
36
43
Renting percentage
38.3%
67.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
6,160.8
House value disparities
33.2%
31.5%
Household income disparities
44.2%
51.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$92,897
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$52,201
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
686 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
1,692 (5.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
32,656 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
36 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
2,892 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Miami
One, detached
59.4%
22.6%
One, attached
6.1%
9.7%
Two
2.1%
3.3%
3 or 4
5.3%
4.0%
5 to 9
5.0%
5.8%
10 to 19
7.9%
6.9%
20 to 49
4.9%
8.3%
50 or more
5.3%
39.2%
Mobile homes
3.8%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,601
26,340
State government workers
13,692
3,509
Unpaid family workers
1,066
695
Industries and Occupations
The dominant industries in Jacksonville are financial services and healthcare, while in Miami, they are international trade, tourism, fashion, and media. While Jacksonville has a large military presence, Miami serves as the latin American headquarters for several multinational corporations.
Both Miami and Jacksonville have excellent medical facilities. Miami is home to the renowned University of Miami Health System, while Jacksonville houses the esteemed Mayo Clinic. Both cities have multiple hospitals and medical centers that offer quality healthcare.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Jacksonville is geographically larger and less densely populated, which means more roadways and car dependency. Miami, on the other hand, is more densely populated and developed, with a better public transportation system including a free Metromover system and a bike-share program.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Miami
Hospitals
25
47
TV stations
17
26
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
191
346
Bank institutions located here
31
53
Main business address for public companies
23
29
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
9
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Miami
1999
5,422
0
2000
4,132
1,368
2001
3,038
1,354
2002
2,017
1,274
2003
3,563
1,618
2004
4,781
2,862
2005
7,134
4,991
2006
8,812
7,400
2007
5,298
5,318
2008
1,719
3,212
2009
676
888
Culture and Food
Miami offers a rich, multicultural experience influenced by its large Cuban and Hispanic population. Miami's culinary scene reflects this diversity. Jacksonville, on the other hand, offers more laid-back, Southern charm and its food culture reflects its deep-rooted southern and coastal influences.
Sports Teams
Sports lovers will find plenty of action in both cities. Miami boasts teams in all major sports leagues (NBA's Heat, NFL's Dolphins, MLB's Marlins, and NHL's Panthers), while Jacksonville is home to NFL's Jaguars.
Jacksonville, FL
Miami, FL
Jacksonville, FL and 
Miami, FL : 325.1 miles
