Moving from Jacksonville to Carmel (2026)
Carmel has a COL index of 98 vs 93 for Jacksonville (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 5% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Carmel to match your Jacksonville lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Jacksonville | Equivalent in Carmel |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,151 |
| $50K | $52,688 |
| $60K | $63,226 |
| $75K | $79,032 |
| $80K | $84,301 |
| $100K | $105,376 |
| $120K | $126,452 |
| $150K | $158,065 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Jacksonville vs Carmel
| Expense | Jacksonville | Carmel |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,541 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,450 |
| Groceries | $365 | $376 |
| Transport | $50 | $40 |
| Utilities | $190 | $152 |
| Internet | $62 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,424 | $2,461 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Carmel cheaper than Jacksonville?
No. Carmel has a cost of living index of 98 vs 93 for Jacksonville (100 = US average). That's about 5% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Jacksonville to Carmel?
On a $75K salary, moving from Jacksonville to Carmel could save roughly $237/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,844/year.
What salary do I need in Carmel to match my Jacksonville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Jacksonville, you'd need roughly $79,032/year in Carmel. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only