Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Fayetteville is 31% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,179/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 24%
$56,395/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 37%
$171,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 96%
$1,156/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 34%
209,692
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $21,020/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Manchester — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Manchester?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Manchester?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $21,020/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Hampshire?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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