Fayetteville, NC vs Mobile, AL: 73 vs 66

$1,179/mo ↑ 15%

Median Rent

$1,029/mo ↓ 13%

$56,395/yr ↑ 10%

Median Income

$51,090/yr ↓ 9%

$171,900 ≈ Same

Home Value

$170,300 ≈ Same

$1,156/mo ↑ 14%

Owner Costs

$1,016/mo ↓ 12%

209,692

Population

185,097

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $5,305/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Mobile — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Mobile cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Mobile?

Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $150/month.

Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Mobile?

Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $5,305/year higher in Fayetteville.

How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?

North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.

Should I move to Fayetteville or Mobile?

It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Fayetteville

Mobile

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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