Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Fayetteville is 22% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,179/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 12%
$56,395/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 56%
$171,900 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 67%
$1,156/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 15%
209,692
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $31,372/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Rochester?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Rochester?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $31,372/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Minnesota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Rochester details →

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