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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Orange

California
206

Fayetteville is 65% cheaper than Orange.

$1,179/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 91%
$56,395/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 107%
$171,900 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 424%
$1,156/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 107%
209,692
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,073/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $12,876/year.

Median household income is $60,550/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Orange — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Orange?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,073/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Orange?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $60,550/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Orange

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City