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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Fayetteville is 57% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,179/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 85%
$56,395/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 117%
$171,900 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 251%
$1,156/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 93%
209,692
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,001/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $12,012/year.

Median household income is $65,834/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,001/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $65,834/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

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