Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Fayetteville and Fargo have a similar cost of living.

$1,179/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 22%
$56,395/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 17%
$171,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 57%
$1,156/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 14%
209,692
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $9,634/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Fargo — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Fargo?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Fargo?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $9,634/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Dakota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Fargo

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres