Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Fayetteville is 19% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,179/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 7%
$56,395/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 57%
$171,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 47%
$1,156/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 30%
209,692
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $31,921/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Elgin?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Elgin?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $31,921/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Elgin

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont