Moving from Tallahassee, FL to Jacksonville, FL
The 162 mi from Tallahassee to Jacksonville translate to about 3h 3m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
162 mi · 3h 3m by car · FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, FL 228, I 10 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tallahassee | Jacksonville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.919 | 99.484 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.471 | 87.514 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.528 | 109.777 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Jacksonville is 5.9% higher than Tallahassee, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Tallahassee and Jacksonville are within 5% of each other ($291,127 vs $282,895 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tallahassee +0.2%, Jacksonville -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tallahassee | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 47°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 58.8" | 47.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Tallahassee (68.5°F) and Jacksonville (71.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Jacksonville gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TALLAHASSEE, FL US, JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tallahassee | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,696 | 961,739 |
| Median household income | $55,931 | $66,981 |
| Median age | 28 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.3% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.5 |
Income steps up 5.9%: $55,931 in Tallahassee vs $66,981 in Jacksonville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jacksonville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 106,430 | $41,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 78,750 | $37,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 72,870 | $35,550 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,150 | $29,270 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 56,370 | $74,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Jacksonville average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tallahassee to Jacksonville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 162 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jacksonville compared to Tallahassee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $282,895 in Jacksonville vs $291,127 in Tallahassee — a 2.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Jacksonville more expensive than Tallahassee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jacksonville is 5.9% higher than Tallahassee (99.484 vs 93.919, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jacksonville, FL from Tallahassee, FL?
The driving distance is 162 mi and the route typically takes 3h 3m via US 17 and FL 228. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jacksonville compare to Tallahassee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA vs $40,930 in the Tallahassee MSA, on total employment of 740,520 and 181,050 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Tallahassee vs Jacksonville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,981 in Jacksonville vs $55,931 in Tallahassee — a 19.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tallahassee.
City profiles: Tallahassee, FL · Jacksonville, FL.