Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Fayetteville is 35% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,179/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 24%
$56,395/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 13%
$171,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 129%
$1,156/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 33%
209,692
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $7,479/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $7,479/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Elizabeth details →

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