Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Fayetteville is 18% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,179/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 11%
$56,395/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 21%
$171,900 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 19%
$1,156/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 14%
209,692
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $12,019/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Birmingham?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Birmingham?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $12,019/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Birmingham details →

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