Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Providence, RI (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Fayetteville is 26% cheaper than Providence.

$1,179/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 13%
$56,395/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 18%
$171,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 88%
$1,156/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 27%
209,692
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $10,377/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Providence — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Providence?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Providence?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $10,377/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Rhode Island?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Providence details →

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