Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Fayetteville is 45% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,179/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 51%
$56,395/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 42%
$171,900 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 165%
$1,156/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 54%
209,692
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $23,540/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $23,540/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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