Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Fayetteville is 31% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,179/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 24%
$56,395/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 5%
$171,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 95%
$1,156/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 34%
209,692
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $2,629/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Paterson — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Paterson?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Paterson?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $2,629/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Paterson

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon