Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Ontario, CA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Ontario

California
152

Fayetteville is 52% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,179/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 63%
$56,395/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 47%
$171,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 230%
$1,156/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 70%
209,692
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $26,411/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Ontario — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Ontario?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Ontario?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $26,411/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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