Let the numbers do the talking.
Jacksonville, FL vs Orlando, FL
Jacksonville, FL vs Orlando, FL: What the data shows
Jacksonville, FL is in Jacksonville, FL while Orlando, FL is in Orlando, FL — both in the same state. On home prices, Jacksonville, FL is the more affordable option at $230,200 median — $493,400 less than Orlando, FL's $723,600. WYLT rates Jacksonville, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Orlando, FL as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Orlando, FL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Jacksonville, FL has High violent crime and Moderate property crime. Orlando, FL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Jacksonville, FL has Low flood risk and Orlando, FL has High flood risk.
Orlando, FL is the more walkable neighborhood. Jacksonville, FL scores N/A/100 versus Orlando, FL's 15/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Jacksonville, FL has the higher school rating — Jacksonville, FL rates 7.1/10 and Orlando, FL rates 6.6/10.
| Category | Jacksonville, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $230K ✓ Lower price | $724K |
| Median Rent | $935 ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $38K | $124K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 15/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 3/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 2/100 | 78/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 2 min ✓ Shorter commute | 12 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | F | D+ ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | High | Moderate ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.6/10 |
| Best for | young professionalsstudentsshort‑term renters | Tech professionalsYoung familiesPet owners |
Bottom line
For someone looking for short-term housing, young professionals, or students, Jacksonville might be a cheap option with good downtown access. However, long-term residents or families looking for safety and walkability should consider other options. Ultimately, Jacksonville is a better fit for those who prioritize affordability, while Orlando's residents will need to weigh expensive housing against decent bike routes and a reasonable commute.
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