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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Fayetteville is 63% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,179/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 80%
$56,395/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 85%
$171,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 400%
$1,156/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 95%
209,692
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $945/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $11,340/year.

Median household income is $47,824/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Fullerton?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $945/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Fullerton?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $47,824/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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