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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Fayetteville is 10% cheaper than Gainesville.

$1,179/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 3%
$56,395/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 19%
$171,900 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 37%
$1,156/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ≈ Same
209,692
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,784/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Gainesville?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Gainesville?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $10,784/year higher in Fayetteville.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Gainesville

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia