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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Fayetteville is 18% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,179/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 19%
$56,395/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 27%
$171,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 32%
$1,156/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 20%
209,692
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $15,448/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Mesquite?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Mesquite?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $15,448/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Mesquite details →

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