Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Baltimore is 15% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,290/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 9%
$59,623/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 5%
$219,300 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 22%
$1,333/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 13%
577,193
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $3,228/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Baltimore or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $3,228/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and North Carolina?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Fayetteville details →

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