Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs College Station, TX (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Fayetteville is 20% cheaper than College Station.

$1,179/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ≈ Same
$56,395/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 8%
$171,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 90%
$1,156/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 8%
209,692
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,619/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs College Station — common questions

Is Fayetteville or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and College Station?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or College Station?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $4,619/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and College Station

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette