If you've been thinking about leaving New Jersey or New York, you're not alone. Every month, hundreds of Northeast transplants arrive on Florida's First Coast — and once they run the numbers, most say the same thing: "I wish I had done this sooner."
So we did the math for you. Here's exactly what your dollar buys in St. Johns County, Florida compared to what you've been paying in New Jersey or New York — and the difference is staggering.
The Big Picture: Cost of Living Index
Before we get into line items, here's the 30,000-foot view. According to 2025–2026 data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and MIT's Living Wage Calculator:
- New York City cost of living index: 187 (87% above the national average)
- Northern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Morris counties): 138 (38% above national average)
- St. Johns County, Florida: 103 (just 3% above national average)
Translation: a household spending $120,000 per year in New York City could maintain the same — or better — standard of living in St. Johns County for roughly $66,000. That's $54,000 back in your pocket. Every single year.
HOUSING: The Biggest Number on the Page
This is where the comparison gets dramatic.
| Home Type | New York | New Jersey | St. Johns County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $780,000+ | $650,000+ | $520,000–$580,000 |
| Average Property Tax (annual) | $12,000–$18,000 | $11,000–$16,000 | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Average HOA (55+ community) | $600–$1,200/mo | $500–$900/mo | $200–$450/mo |
| Average Rent (2BR apartment) | $3,800–$5,500/mo | $2,800–$4,000/mo | $1,600–$2,200/mo |
St. Johns County homeowners pay, on average, 60–70% less in property taxes than their counterparts in New Jersey and New York — on a home that often comes with more square footage, a newer build, and resort-style community amenities included.
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WHAT DOES $500,000 BUY YOU?
This is the question everyone asks — and the answer tells the whole story.
$500,000 in Bergen County, NJ: A 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath colonial built in the 1970s. Approximately 1,600–1,900 sq ft. Older systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing). Modest lot. Annual property taxes: $13,000–$15,000. HOA: unlikely but possible. Commuter-town location.
$500,000 in Queens or Staten Island, NY: A 3-bedroom attached townhouse or semi-detached row home. Approximately 1,400–1,700 sq ft. Shared walls. Street parking. Annual property taxes: $6,000–$10,000 (with abatements expiring). Limited outdoor space.
$500,000 in St. Johns County, FL (Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, or St. Augustine area): A brand-new or newer-construction 3–4 bedroom, 2–3 bath single-family home. Approximately 2,200–2,800 sq ft. Open floor plan, modern kitchen, screened lanai or pool-ready backyard. Located in a master-planned community with resort pools, fitness centers, walking trails, and pickleball courts. Annual property taxes: $4,000–$5,500. HOA covering landscaping and amenities: $150–$400/month.
Same budget. Roughly 600–1,000 more square feet. A newer home. Lower taxes. And a community designed around your lifestyle.
GROCERIES & EVERYDAY EXPENSES
The gap doesn't stop at housing. Day-to-day costs tell the same story.
| Item | New York | New Jersey | St. Johns County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallon of milk | $4.80–$6.00 | $4.20–$5.50 | $3.20–$3.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.50–$7.00 | $4.80–$6.50 | $3.50–$4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.00–$7.00 | $4.50–$6.00 | $3.00–$4.50 |
| Dinner for two (mid-range) | $100–$160 | $80–$130 | $55–$85 |
| Monthly groceries (couple) | $900–$1,300 | $800–$1,100 | $550–$750 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.60–$4.20 | $3.40–$3.90 | $3.00–$3.40 |
| Monthly utilities (avg home) | $250–$400 | $220–$360 | $160–$240 |
On groceries and everyday essentials alone, a couple relocating from New Jersey to St. Johns County can expect to save $300–$600 per month — or $3,600–$7,200 per year.
HEALTHCARE COSTS
Healthcare is a top concern for retirees — and cost matters as much as quality.
| Expense | New York | New Jersey | St. Johns County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Medicare Supplement Plan G (monthly) | $195–$280 | $180–$260 | $115–$165 |
| Average doctor visit (out-of-pocket) | $250–$400 | $200–$350 | $130–$220 |
| Dental cleaning (no insurance) | $180–$350 | $160–$300 | $95–$160 |
| Prescription avg. monthly (common meds) | $45–$90 | $40–$85 | $30–$65 |
Florida's competitive insurance market and lower cost of care mean significant savings — even before factoring in the proximity of the Mayo Clinic and Baptist Medical Center for specialized needs.
STATE TAXES: THE NUMBER THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
This is the line item that stops every New York and New Jersey retiree cold.
| Tax | New York | New Jersey | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 10.75% | 0% |
| Tax on Social Security | Yes (partial) | Yes (partial) | None |
| Tax on pension income | Yes | Yes | None |
| Estate/inheritance tax | Yes (estate tax) | Yes (inheritance tax) | None |
| Average property tax rate | 1.72% | 2.23% (highest in US) | 0.86% |
New Jersey carries the highest property tax rate in the entire country at an average of 2.23%. A $500,000 home in NJ costs you roughly $11,150 per year in property taxes. That same $500,000 in St. Johns County? Approximately $4,300. That's nearly $7,000 in annual savings on property taxes alone — before you've touched income, pension, or Social Security.
THE REAL ANNUAL SAVINGS BREAKDOWN
Let's put it all together for a typical retiring couple moving from Northern New Jersey to St. Johns County:
| Category | Annual Cost in New Jersey | Annual Cost in St. Johns | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property taxes | $13,000 | $4,500 | $8,500 |
| State income tax (on $80K income) | $4,200 | $0 | $4,200 |
| Groceries & daily expenses | $13,200 | $8,400 | $4,800 |
| Healthcare premiums & costs | $7,800 | $4,800 | $3,000 |
| Utilities | $3,600 | $2,400 | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Annual Savings | $21,700+ |
That's over $21,000 back in your pocket every year — without reducing your quality of life by a single degree. In fact, most transplants report that their standard of living goes up.
WHERE SPECIFICALLY IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY?
St. Johns County spans several distinct communities, each with its own character:
Nocatee (Ponte Vedra area, ZIP 32081) — The most popular master-planned community in Northeast Florida. Golf-cart friendly, resort amenities, Del Webb 55+ section. Median home: $580,000–$700,000.
Ponte Vedra Beach (ZIP 32082) — Upscale coastal living. TPC Sawgrass, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Average home value: ~$805,000. Best for buyers seeking a luxury lifestyle close to the ocean.
St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach (ZIP 32080, 32092) — Historic charm meets coastal access. Strong value play in 2026. Median homes: $380,000–$520,000. Growing restaurant and arts scene.
Fruit Cove / Julington Creek (ZIP 32259) — Suburban St. Johns with top-ranked schools and larger lots. Excellent value. Median homes: $420,000–$560,000. Popular with buyers who want space.
WHY 2026 IS THE RIGHT TIME TO MAKE THE MOVE
The window is real. St. Johns County's market has cooled from its post-pandemic peak, giving buyers leverage they haven't had since 2019. Inventory is up. Days on market have stretched to 60–90 days. Sellers are negotiating. Meanwhile, New Jersey and New York home values have remained stubbornly high — meaning your equity from up north goes further in St. Johns County right now than it has in years.
Add in Florida's tax advantages, lower cost of living, and a lifestyle that most Northeasterners describe as a permanent upgrade — and the math isn't just good. It's obvious.
Ready to Run the Numbers on Your Specific Situation?
Every buyer's move looks a little different. Whether you're selling a $650,000 NJ colonial or a $900,000 NYC co-op, I can show you exactly what your equity buys in St. Johns County — and how much you'll save every year once you're here.