Jacksonville, Florida and Baltimore, Maryland are two distinctively different cities, each offering unique opportunities and experiences to both residents and tourists. Jacksonville, the largest city in area in the continental U.S., boasts a subtropical climate, a low cost of living, and a diverse economy. Baltimore, on the other hand, has a rich history, four distinct seasons, and is a hub for education and healthcare. This comparison will help you discern the contrasts and conveniences of both, whether you intend to visit or settle in these cities.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Baltimore, MD : 683.4 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 66%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
Jacksonville and Baltimore have crime rates that are higher than the national average, but Jacksonville’s is significantly lower than Baltimore's. In Baltimore, crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas; tourists and newcomers are advised to be especially vigilant in some neighborhoods. Jacksonville, on the other hand, has been focusing on crime reduction initiatives, resulting in a lower crime rate.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Jacksonville is significantly lower than in Baltimore. This is especially true for housing, which is the largest factor in the cost of living difference. However, healthcare and transportation tend to be slightly cheaper in Baltimore.
Income Tax
Jacksonville stands out for Florida's lack of a state income tax, whereas Baltimore residents pay both Maryland state income taxes and a Baltimore city income tax, which may increase costs for workers.
Property Tax
Jacksonville residents benefit from much lower property taxes than Baltimore residents. Florida's average property tax rate is 0.83% while Maryland's is 1.07%. This can make home ownership more affordable in Jacksonville.
Sales Tax
Florida, where Jacksonville is located, has a state tax rate of 6% while Maryland, home to Baltimore, has a state tax rate of 6%. However, Jacksonville does not have any additional city sales tax, making goods generally cheaper than in Baltimore, which adds a 1.25% city sales tax.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $59,853 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Jacksonville offers miles of beaches and waterways, including the St. Johns River and the Intracoastal Waterway. It's a prime location for water sports, fishing, and boating. Baltimore is also a waterfront city with a large harbor. It has hilly terrain, which contrasts with Jacksonville's mainly flat landscape.
Both cities boast strong education systems. Baltimore is home to prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. Jacksonville has notable schools like the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University. Both cities have a variety of private and public school options for K-12.
Economic opportunities differ between the two cities. Baltimore's economy is strongly influenced by its industries in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Jacksonville's economy is diverse, featuring sectors like finance, healthcare, and maritime trade. Both cities boast plenty of job opportunities, but the sectors may appeal to different professionals.
Biggest Employers
In Jacksonville, the largest employers include Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, and the City of Jacksonville. Baltimore hosts internationally renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital and University, which together form the city's largest employer. Other significant employers in Baltimore include the University of Maryland Medical System and Under Armour.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
2020
51.3%
87.5%
47.5%
10.7%
1.2%
1.8%
2016
47.2%
84.8%
48.6%
10.5%
4.2%
4.6%
2012
47.9%
87.4%
51.5%
11.1%
0.6%
1.4%
2008
49.0%
87.6%
51.0%
11.7%
0.0%
0.6%
2004
41.7%
82.5%
57.9%
17.1%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
40.9%
82.9%
57.7%
14.2%
1.4%
2.9%
1996
44.2%
79.3%
50.0%
15.5%
5.8%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
1.4%
22.3%
7.3%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
11.0%
2.8%
8.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.6%
2.3%
4.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.6%
0.6%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.0%
0.9%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
0.7%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.4%
1.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.4%
0.2%
2.2%
Weather
Jacksonville, FL, and Baltimore, MD, have climate differences that could greatly impact your decision. Jacksonville is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city has an average of 221 sunny days. Baltimore has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and chilly winters. However, Baltimore also exhibits four distinct seasons, which some people might prefer.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
47%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Jacksonville
Baltimore
2018
78
89
N/A
0.23
11.8
N/A
24.5
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
7.9
N/A
0.1
2017
74
89
N/A
0.25
12.1
N/A
24.7
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
8.2
0.7
0.2
2016
65
102
0.50
0.26
13.0
N/A
24.9
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
7.7
0.4
0.3
2015
63
89
0.35
0.28
12.4
N/A
25.4
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
9.5
0.3
0.4
2014
66
82
0.27
0.25
11.8
N/A
24.3
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.9
10.9
0.7
0.6
2013
68
86
0.18
0.22
10.7
N/A
23.0
25.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.3
9.6
0.7
0.5
2012
66
98
0.10
0.24
11.3
N/A
24.0
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
11.2
0.6
0.5
2011
88
101
0.28
0.24
12.5
N/A
26.6
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
12.1
0.8
0.8
2010
77
110
0.31
0.24
13.1
N/A
26.4
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
12.2
0.8
1.0
2009
72
84
0.16
0.23
12.2
N/A
25.0
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
10.4
0.6
1.4
2008
75
96
0.15
0.25
13.6
N/A
27.6
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
12.8
0.9
1.8
2007
92
107
0.29
0.21
13.8
N/A
28.4
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
14.0
1.2
2.5
2006
87
112
0.35
N/A
12.0
N/A
29.0
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
14.7
1.4
N/A
2005
93
111
0.42
N/A
14.3
N/A
26.5
26.3
N/A
N/A
23.0
N/A
12.2
17.1
1.8
N/A
2004
92
108
0.40
N/A
15.3
N/A
25.2
28.0
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
12.4
16.3
1.4
N/A
2003
55
110
0.43
N/A
17.8
N/A
21.6
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
1.6
N/A
2002
59
119
0.49
N/A
17.4
N/A
22.2
19.4
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
1.7
5.8
2001
74
104
0.49
N/A
18.2
N/A
24.0
23.9
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
6.0
2000
85
101
0.52
N/A
17.0
N/A
25.1
22.4
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
0%
Transportation
Baltimore has a more extensive public transit system, including buses, a subway, light rail, and a commuter train service. Jacksonville's transportation system is more car-reliant due to the city's geographical size. However, initiatives are underway to improve public transit options in Jacksonville.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
566
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Bicycle
0.2%
0.4%
Bus
1.1%
6.2%
Carpooled
9%
7.3%
Car alone
86.5%
77.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
1.2%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.7%
Walked
1.2%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Average
27.5 min
32.3 min
Other means
25 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
8%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1%
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
Real estate is considerably more affordable in Jacksonville than in Baltimore. Average listing prices and rent in Jacksonville are generally lower, offering more square footage for your dollar. In contrast, Baltimore offers a mix of historic and modern housing options, with prices varying significantly by neighborhood.
Neighborhoods
Jacksonville's neighborhoods offer a variety of atmospheres, from the beachfront districts of Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, to urban areas like Downtown. Baltimore is known for its vibrant and unique neighborhoods like Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, and Fells Point, offering a blend of historic charm and modern lifestyle.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Houses
422,315
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Median year apartment built
1985
1959
Median year house/condo built
1987
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$269,877
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$246,241
Median house age
36
72
Renting percentage
38.3%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
3,632.1
House value disparities
33.2%
38.5%
Household income disparities
44.2%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Baltimore
One, detached
59.4%
16.4%
One, attached
6.1%
49.5%
Two
2.1%
4.5%
3 or 4
5.3%
4.9%
5 to 9
5.0%
5.5%
10 to 19
7.9%
4.8%
20 to 49
4.9%
2.8%
50 or more
5.3%
11.4%
Mobile homes
3.8%
0.2%
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
12,671
State government workers
13,692
20,410
Unpaid family workers
1,066
356
Industries and Occupations
In Baltimore, sectors such as healthcare, education, and tech dominate the job market. Jacksonville is more diversified, with industries such as financial services, healthcare, logistics, and defense leading the local economy.
Both cities offer excellent healthcare facilities. Baltimore has two of the top hospitals in the country: Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center. Jacksonville is home to highly ranked hospitals including Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and UF Health Jacksonville.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Baltimore is a historic city and some parts of its infrastructure show its age. Meanwhile, Jacksonville, due to its geographical size, has a robust infrastructure in place to accommodate its population. Both cities have areas where infrastructure improvements are ongoing.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Baltimore
Hospitals
25
45
TV stations
17
19
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
191
215
Bank institutions located here
31
44
Main business address for public companies
23
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Baltimore
1999
5,422
2,486
2000
4,132
2,058
2001
3,038
1,371
2002
2,017
1,111
2003
3,563
1,526
2004
4,781
2,929
2005
7,134
4,981
2006
8,812
5,533
2007
5,298
3,592
2008
1,719
1,111
2009
676
381
Culture and Food
Both cities boast a rich cultural and food scene. Baltimore is celebrated for its historic Inner Harbor, world-class museums, and literary legacy. Baltimore’s cuisine represents its coastal location, with crab cakes and oysters as common favorites. Jacksonville, hosting large festivals, music shows, and art walks, also offers a food scene that leans strongly toward seafood due to its coastal location.
Sports Teams
NFL fans will feel at home in either city, with Jacksonville hosting the Jaguars, and Baltimore home to the Ravens. Baltimore also has a Major League Baseball team, the Orioles, but Jacksonville does not have a major league sports team besides football.
Jacksonville, FL
Baltimore, MD
