Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Fayetteville is 38% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,179/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 14%
$56,395/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 33%
$171,900 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 188%
$1,156/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 21%
209,692
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $18,530/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $18,530/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Utah?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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