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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Richmond

California
161

Fayetteville is 55% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,179/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 61%
$56,395/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 60%
$171,900 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 278%
$1,156/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 74%
209,692
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $33,643/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Richmond?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Richmond?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $33,643/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Richmond details →

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