Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Fayetteville is 46% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,179/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 27%
$56,395/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 23%
$171,900 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 46%
$1,156/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 28%
209,692
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $12,941/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Dayton — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Dayton?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Dayton?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $12,941/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Dayton details →

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