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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Fayetteville is 71% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,179/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 127%
$56,395/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 147%
$171,900 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 573%
$1,156/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 142%
209,692
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,499/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $17,988/year.

Median household income is $82,931/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,499/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $82,931/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Carlsbad details →

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