Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Salem, OR (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Fayetteville is 30% cheaper than Salem.

$1,179/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 12%
$56,395/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 27%
$171,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 122%
$1,156/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 25%
209,692
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $15,505/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Salem — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Salem?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Salem?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $15,505/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Salem details →

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