Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Albuquerque is 10% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,085/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 9%
$65,604/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 14%
$266,700 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 36%
$1,149/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ≈ Same
562,488
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $9,209/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Fayetteville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $9,209/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Carolina?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Fayetteville details →

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