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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Fayetteville is 59% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,179/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 67%
$56,395/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 60%
$171,900 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 345%
$1,156/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 74%
209,692
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $33,771/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $33,771/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Garden Grove

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins