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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Fayetteville is 76% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,179/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 153%
$56,395/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 208%
$171,900 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 789%
$1,156/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 164%
209,692
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,806/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $21,672/year.

Median household income is $117,275/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,806/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $117,275/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Santa Clara

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville