Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Fayetteville is 42% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,179/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 63%
$56,395/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 66%
$171,900 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 130%
$1,156/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 37%
209,692
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $36,976/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Surprise — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Surprise?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Surprise?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $36,976/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Surprise

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite