Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Atlanta is 67% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,617/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 27%
$81,938/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 31%
$420,600 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 59%
$1,695/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 32%
499,287
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $25,543/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Atlanta or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $25,543/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Fayetteville details →

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