Performance
Score Breakdown
Jacksonville
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Jacksonville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% lower compared to Aiken.
Housing costs are a major driver: Jacksonville's average rent is
11% lower than Aiken's.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 | -11% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $236 | -24% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,250 | $2,406 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 80 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 53% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Jacksonville is estimated at
$42,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,946 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 38,683 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $49,666 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Jacksonville has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
Aiken scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Aiken leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 22.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aiken is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Jacksonville.
From a growth perspective, Aiken is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aiken has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,400 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 32.4 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.40% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Jacksonville
Advantages
The median home value in Jacksonville is significantly lower than the national average, making housing highly affordable.
Jacksonville offers a strong sense of community and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The average commute time for residents is relatively short at 20.3 minutes.
The city is undergoing various infrastructure and development projects, indicating investment and potential future improvements.
Jacksonville has numerous parks and hosts community events like FestiVille, providing recreational opportunities.
Drawbacks
Jacksonville's violent crime rate is higher than the national average.
As of April 2026, the city lacks an acute care hospital with an emergency department, impacting general healthcare access.
The city has minimal public transportation and low walkability, making it highly car-dependent.
The city experienced a slight decline in employment from 2023 to 2024.
The population is projected to have a slight annual decline in 2026.
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Jacksonville
#92Arkansas, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$30,946
Cost Index
80
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
22.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
65
Business
60
Aiken
#49South Carolina, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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