Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Fayetteville is 71% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,179/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 80%
$56,395/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 92%
$171,900 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 686%
$1,156/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 102%
209,692
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $52,163/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Berkeley?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $948/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Berkeley?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $52,163/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Berkeley details →

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