Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fayetteville is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,179/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 103%
$56,395/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 95%
$171,900 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 514%
$1,156/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 113%
209,692
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,216/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $14,592/year.

Median household income is $53,678/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,216/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $53,678/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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