Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Kent, WA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Fayetteville is 50% cheaper than Kent.

$1,179/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 55%
$56,395/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 60%
$171,900 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 213%
$1,156/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 66%
209,692
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $654/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $7,848/year.

Median household income is $34,021/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Kent — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Kent?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $654/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Kent?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $34,021/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Kent details →

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