Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Fayetteville and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,179/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 5%
$56,395/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 10%
$171,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 24%
$1,156/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 7%
209,692
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $5,401/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Knoxville?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Knoxville?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $5,401/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Knoxville details →

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