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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Fayetteville is 68% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,179/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 106%
$56,395/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 113%
$171,900 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 509%
$1,156/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 111%
209,692
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,245/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $14,940/year.

Median household income is $63,490/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,245/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $63,490/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Huntington Beach details →

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