Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fayetteville is 11% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,179/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 10%
$56,395/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 8%
$171,900 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 33%
$1,156/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ≈ Same
209,692
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $4,552/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Lakeland?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $4,552/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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