Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Boston is 141% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$2,093/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 44%
$94,755/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 40%
$710,400 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 76%
$2,176/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 47%
663,972
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $914/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $10,968/year.

Median household income is $38,360/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Boston or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $914/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $38,360/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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