Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fayetteville is 40% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,179/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 32%
$56,395/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 44%
$171,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 153%
$1,156/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 42%
209,692
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $24,694/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $24,694/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Ann Arbor details →

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