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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fayetteville is 64% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,179/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 100%
$56,395/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 102%
$171,900 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 377%
$1,156/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 109%
209,692
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,181/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $14,172/year.

Median household income is $57,380/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Hayward?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,181/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Hayward?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $57,380/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Hayward details →

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