Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Fayetteville is 8% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,179/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 6%
$56,395/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 9%
$171,900 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 30%
$1,156/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 10%
209,692
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $5,056/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Springfield?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Springfield?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $5,056/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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