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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Fayetteville is 14% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,179/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 10%
$56,395/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 1%
$171,900 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 14%
$1,156/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 12%
209,692
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $708/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Montgomery?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Montgomery?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $708/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 Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Montgomery details →

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