Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Fayetteville is 10% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,179/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 2%
$56,395/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 8%
$171,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 51%
$1,156/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 4%
209,692
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,633/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $4,633/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Chattanooga details →

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