Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Fayetteville and Little Rock have a similar cost of living.

$1,179/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 9%
$56,395/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↑ 7%
$171,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$221,200 ↑ 29%
$1,156/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 5%
209,692
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $4,188/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Little Rock?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $4,188/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arkansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Little Rock details →

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