Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fayetteville is 28% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,179/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 19%
$56,395/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 5%
$171,900 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 30%
$1,156/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 18%
209,692
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $3,067/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Rockford?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Rockford?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $3,067/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Rockford details →

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