Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fayetteville is 69% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,179/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 133%
$56,395/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 124%
$171,900 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 505%
$1,156/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 128%
209,692
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,563/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $18,756/year.

Median household income is $70,074/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,563/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Cambridge?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $70,074/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Cambridge details →

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