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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Fayetteville is 47% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,179/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 56%
$56,395/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 113%
$171,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 156%
$1,156/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 82%
209,692
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $63,878/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs McKinney — common questions

Is Fayetteville or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and McKinney?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or McKinney?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $63,878/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View McKinney details →

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