Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Fayetteville is 58% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,179/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 72%
$56,395/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 102%
$171,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 305%
$1,156/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 88%
209,692
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $852/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $10,224/year.

Median household income is $57,243/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Alexandria?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $852/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Alexandria?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $57,243/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Alexandria details →

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