Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Charlotte is 48% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,504/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 22%
$78,438/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 28%
$351,500 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 51%
$1,487/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 22%
886,283
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $22,043/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Charlotte or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $22,043/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Fayetteville details →

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