Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Columbus is 14% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,224/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 4%
$65,327/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 14%
$234,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 27%
$1,243/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 7%
906,480
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,932/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Columbus or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $8,932/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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More Comparisons

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