Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Cape Coral, FL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina

Cape Coral

Florida

114

Fayetteville is 41% cheaper than Cape Coral.

$1,179/mo ↓ 33%

Median Rent

$1,751/mo ↑ 49%

$56,395/yr ↓ 26%

Median Income

$76,062/yr ↑ 35%

$171,900 ↓ 49%

Home Value

$339,200 ↑ 97%

$1,156/mo ↓ 24%

Owner Costs

$1,523/mo ↑ 32%

209,692

Population

206,387

Tax Comparison

4.5%

Income Tax

4.75%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.8%

Property Tax

0.86%

Affordability

25.1%

rent-to-income

Affordability

27.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $19,667/year higher in Cape Coral. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Cape Coral residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 114 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Cape Coral?

Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $572/month.

Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Cape Coral?

Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $19,667/year higher in Cape Coral.

How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?

North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.

Should I move to Fayetteville or Cape Coral?

It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.