Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fayetteville is 8% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,179/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 8%
$56,395/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 5%
$171,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 10%
$1,156/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 8%
209,692
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $2,992/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Allentown?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Allentown?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,992/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Allentown details →

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