Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Athens, GA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Fayetteville is 12% cheaper than Athens.

$1,179/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 1%
$56,395/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 8%
$171,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 58%
$1,156/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ≈ Same
209,692
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,740/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Athens — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Athens?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Athens?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $4,740/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Athens details →

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