Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A nurse in Jacksonville earns roughly $77,043/yr (~$4,773/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,280/mo — that's 27% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
FL · 2026
Can a Registered Nurse Afford to Live in Jacksonville?
Using local salary estimates and Jacksonville's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a nurse in Jacksonville, FL in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$77,043/yr local estimate
$6,420
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$1,647
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,773
1BR rent
27% of take-home
-$1,280
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$155
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$335
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,653
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a nurse in Jacksonville could save roughly $12,732/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 27% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 27% of take-home pay, a nurse in Jacksonville is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
No state income tax in FL meaningfully helps. A nurse earning $77,043/yr saves roughly $3,467/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $77,043/yr — adjusted from the national Registered Nurse median of $81,220/yr based on Jacksonville's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville for a Registered Nurse
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Avondale / Riverside
Historic, best walkable neighborhood, Five Points bars and restaurants; 1BR $1,300–1,700
San Marco
Town square, walkable boutiques and restaurants, Craftsman homes, riverfront; 1BR $1,300–1,800
Neptune Beach / Atlantic Beach
Beach communities, walkable surf-town feel, genuinely nice; 1BR $1,500–2,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in Jacksonville?
A Registered Nurse in Jacksonville earns approximately $77,043 per year, based on the national BLS median of $81,220/yr adjusted for Jacksonville's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Jacksonville affordable for a nurse in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 27% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A nurse can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Registered Nurse get in Jacksonville?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Registered Nurse earning $77,043/yr takes home roughly $4,773/month in Jacksonville.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Registered Nurse in Jacksonville?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Jacksonville costs a median of $1,280/month. On a Registered Nurse salary, that's 27% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.