Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Fayetteville is 44% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,179/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 45%
$56,395/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 75%
$171,900 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 182%
$1,156/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 39%
209,692
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $42,291/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Meridian — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Meridian?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Meridian?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $42,291/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Idaho?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Meridian details →

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