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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Durham is 44% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 17%
$79,234/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 29%
$355,300 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 52%
$1,434/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 19%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $22,839/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Durham or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $22,839/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Fayetteville details →

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