Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Fayetteville is 50% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,179/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 57%
$56,395/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 168%
$171,900 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 197%
$1,156/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 87%
209,692
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $94,542/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Naperville — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Naperville?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Naperville?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $94,542/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Naperville details →

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