Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Independence, MO (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fayetteville is 9% more expensive than Independence.

$1,179/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 10%
$56,395/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 5%
$171,900 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 3%
$1,156/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 10%
209,692
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $3,085/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Independence — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Independence?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Independence?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $3,085/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Independence details →

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