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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fayetteville is 30% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,179/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 31%
$56,395/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 14%
$171,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 90%
$1,156/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 22%
209,692
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $8,045/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Clearwater?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $8,045/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Clearwater details →

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