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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Fayetteville is 47% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,179/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 56%
$56,395/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 50%
$171,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 178%
$1,156/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 55%
209,692
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $28,222/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $28,222/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Santa Maria

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton