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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Downey

California
169

Fayetteville is 57% cheaper than Downey.

$1,179/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 60%
$56,395/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 55%
$171,900 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 324%
$1,156/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 73%
209,692
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $31,005/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Downey — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Downey?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Downey?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $31,005/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Downey

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens