Let the numbers do the talking.
Jacksonville, FL vs West Palm Beach, FL
Jacksonville, FL vs West Palm Beach, FL: What the data shows
Jacksonville, FL is in Jacksonville, FL while West Palm Beach, FL is in West Palm Beach, FL — both in the same state. On home prices, Jacksonville, FL is the more affordable option at $230,000 median — $243,300 less than West Palm Beach, FL's $473,300. WYLT rates Jacksonville, FL as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and West Palm Beach, FL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Jacksonville, FL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Jacksonville, FL has Low violent crime and Low property crime. West Palm Beach, FL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Jacksonville, FL has Low flood risk and West Palm Beach, FL has Low flood risk.
West Palm Beach, FL is the more walkable neighborhood. Jacksonville, FL scores N/A/100 versus West Palm Beach, FL's 12/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Jacksonville, FL has the higher school rating — Jacksonville, FL rates 7.5/10 and West Palm Beach, FL rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Jacksonville, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $230K ✓ Lower price | $473K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $56K | $104K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 12/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 60/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 27 min ✓ Shorter commute | 91 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | Families with young childrenYoung professionals who value a strong communityRemote workers who need a stable internet connection and a productive workspace | FamiliesRetireesThose who value safety and low flood risk |
Bottom line
If you're a family with young children or a young professional prioritizing a strong community, settle in Jacksonville. However, if you prioritize urban amenities or have a high income, West Palm Beach might be a better fit for you, despite its drawbacks. For remote workers or those commuting frequently to Miami, Jacksonville's shorter commute and lower cost of living make it a more practical choice.
Share this comparison