Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Fayetteville is 12% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,179/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 22%
$56,395/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 20%
$171,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 3%
$1,156/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 6%
209,692
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $11,464/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $11,464/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Cedar Rapids

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