Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Fayetteville is 26% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,179/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 14%
$56,395/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 23%
$171,900 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 37%
$1,156/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 17%
209,692
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $13,157/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Jackson — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Jackson?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Jackson?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $13,157/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Mississippi?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Jackson details →

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