Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Boise is 53% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,359/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 13%
$81,308/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 31%
$456,000 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 62%
$1,337/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 14%
235,701
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $24,913/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Boise or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $24,913/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and North Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Fayetteville details →

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