Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Fayetteville is 9% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,179/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 2%
$56,395/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 1%
$171,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 42%
$1,156/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 1%
209,692
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $742/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Columbia — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Columbia?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Columbia?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $742/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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