Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Fayetteville is 48% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,179/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 48%
$56,395/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 52%
$171,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 219%
$1,156/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 50%
209,692
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $567/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $6,804/year.

Median household income is $29,394/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Lakewood?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $567/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Lakewood?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $29,394/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Lakewood

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield