Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Fayetteville is 11% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,179/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 14%
$56,395/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 7%
$171,900 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 1%
$1,156/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 14%
209,692
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $3,770/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs McAllen — common questions

Is Fayetteville or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and McAllen?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or McAllen?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $3,770/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View McAllen details →

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