Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa

Fayetteville

North Carolina

Des Moines is 3% cheaper than Fayetteville.

$1,054/mo ↓ 11%

Median Rent

$1,179/mo ↑ 12%

$63,966/yr ↑ 13%

Median Income

$56,395/yr ↓ 12%

$183,700 ↑ 7%

Home Value

$171,900 ↓ 6%

$1,137/mo ↓ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,156/mo ↑ 2%

212,464

Population

209,692

Tax Comparison

5.7%

Income Tax

4.5%

6.0%

Sales Tax

4.75%

1.57%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

25.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $7,571/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Des Moines or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 73 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Fayetteville?

Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $125/month.

Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Fayetteville?

Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $7,571/year higher in Des Moines.

How do taxes compare between Iowa and North Carolina?

Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Des Moines or Fayetteville?

It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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.