Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fayetteville is 39% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,179/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 36%
$56,395/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 35%
$171,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 130%
$1,156/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 45%
209,692
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $19,810/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Lowell?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Lowell?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $19,810/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Lowell details →

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