Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Chicago is 37% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,380/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 15%
$75,134/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 25%
$315,200 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 45%
$1,502/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 23%
2,707,648
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $18,739/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Chicago or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $18,739/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Fayetteville details →

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