Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fayetteville is 7% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,179/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 20%
$56,395/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 2%
$171,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 26%
$1,156/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 16%
209,692
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $1,219/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $1,219/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Mexico?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Las Cruces

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria