Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Fayetteville is 27% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,179/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 30%
$56,395/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 60%
$171,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 51%
$1,156/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 38%
209,692
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $33,714/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Aurora — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Aurora?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Aurora?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $33,714/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Aurora details →

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