Assisted Living Cost in Jacksonville
The average cost of assisted living in Jacksonville is $3,400/month in 2026. This guide covers room-type pricing, how Jacksonville compares to the national average, Medicaid coverage through Florida SMMC Long-Term Care, and the most affordable alternatives in the area.
Jacksonville Assisted Living Costs at a Glance
Average (all types)
$3,400
per month
Memory Care
$4,800
per month
Skilled Nursing
$7,800
per month
Cost by Room Type in Jacksonville (2026)
| Room Type | Monthly Cost | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Shared | $2,700 | $90 |
| 1-Bedroom | $3,600 | $120 |
| 2-Bedroom / Deluxe | $4,500 | $150 |
| Memory Care | $4,800 | $160 |
| Skilled Nursing (semi-priv.) | $7,800 | $260 |
* Costs are 2026 market averages. Actual fees vary by facility, level of care, and unit size.
How Jacksonville Compares
Jacksonville
$3,400/mo
Florida Avg
$4,000/mo
15% below avgNational Avg
$4,500/mo
24% below avgWhy Does Assisted Living Cost $3,400/Month in Jacksonville?
- Jacksonville is the most affordable major Florida city for assisted living — 15% below the state average
- Large geographic footprint (largest city by area in the continental US) creates market variety
- Lower real estate costs vs. South Florida, Tampa, and Orlando keep facility overhead down
- Strong military and veteran presence (NAS Jacksonville, Mayport) creates a VA-focused market
Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living in Jacksonville
Florida SMMC Long-Term Care covers assisted living
Florida SMMC LTC covers assisted living in Duval County for eligible seniors. Jacksonville is served by multiple SMMC managed care plans. Income limit: $2,742/month. Asset limit: $2,000. Apply through ACCESS Florida at 866-762-2237.
Florida Medicaid Guide →How to Afford Assisted Living in Jacksonville
- North Jacksonville, Arlington, and Westside communities average 10–15% below Southside and Mandarin
- Florida SMMC LTC covers assisted living — apply through ACCESS Florida at 866-762-2237
- Jacksonville Naval Air Station has one of the largest active military communities — VA resources are excellent
- Adult Family Care Homes (AFCHs) in Duval County often run $2,200–$3,000/month on Medicaid
- Fernandina Beach (30 mi north) and St. Augustine (40 mi south) are modestly priced alternatives
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More Affordable Alternatives Near Jacksonville
If Jacksonville costs are too high, these nearby cities offer lower averages and similar access to family, healthcare, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Living in Jacksonville
What is the average cost of assisted living in Jacksonville, Florida?▾
The average cost of assisted living in Jacksonville is approximately $3,400 per month in 2026 — the lowest of any major Florida metro and 15% below the Florida state average of $4,000/month. Costs range from $2,400/month in basic north Jacksonville communities to $5,000/month for premium Southside or Mandarin facilities.
Does Florida Medicaid cover assisted living in Jacksonville?▾
Yes — Florida SMMC LTC covers assisted living in Duval County. Apply through ACCESS Florida at 866-762-2237. Jacksonville typically has better SMMC LTC availability than South Florida markets. Income limit: $2,742/month. Asset limit: $2,000.
Is Jacksonville a good city for senior living?▾
Jacksonville is one of the best-value Florida cities for senior living: below-average costs, no Florida state income tax, warm climate, access to beaches, major VA resources (NAS Jacksonville), and the UF Health Jacksonville hospital system. The main downsides: limited public transit and the city's large spread-out geography requires car dependence.
How does Jacksonville compare to Tampa and Orlando for assisted living?▾
Jacksonville ($3,400/month) is significantly more affordable than Tampa ($3,800/month) and Orlando ($3,600/month). All three cities participate in Florida SMMC LTC Medicaid. Jacksonville is typically the best value major Florida market for families choosing based on cost.
What does memory care cost in Jacksonville?▾
Memory care in Jacksonville averages $4,800 per month in 2026, ranging from $3,600 to $6,500/month. Florida SMMC LTC can cover memory care for eligible Medicaid recipients in licensed ALFs.
Are there good VA resources for Jacksonville area veterans?▾
Excellent. Jacksonville has one of the strongest VA networks in Florida due to the Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic (904-475-6600) and the nearby Gainesville VA Medical Center (75 mi SW) serve the area. Aid & Attendance can provide up to $2,795/month for eligible veterans.
Looking for statewide data?
See the full Florida assisted living cost guide, Medicaid eligibility, and facility directory.
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