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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fayetteville is 67% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,179/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 88%
$56,395/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 84%
$171,900 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 508%
$1,156/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 102%
209,692
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,039/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $12,468/year.

Median household income is $47,383/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,039/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $47,383/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Pasadena details →

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