Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Fayetteville is 41% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,179/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 44%
$56,395/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 35%
$171,900 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 138%
$1,156/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 51%
209,692
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $19,688/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Fayetteville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Lancaster?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Lancaster?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $19,688/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Lancaster

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale