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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Fayetteville is 58% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,179/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 77%
$56,395/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 73%
$171,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 298%
$1,156/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 84%
209,692
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $905/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $10,860/year.

Median household income is $41,015/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $905/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $41,015/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Santa Rosa details →

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