Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Fayetteville is 20% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,179/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 26%
$56,395/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 20%
$171,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 44%
$1,156/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 4%
209,692
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $11,126/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $11,126/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Palm Bay

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock