Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Fayetteville is 5% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,179/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 10%
$56,395/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 9%
$171,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 46%
$1,156/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 9%
209,692
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $5,059/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Lafayette?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Lafayette?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,059/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Lafayette details →

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