Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Fayetteville is 24% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,179/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 15%
$56,395/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 19%
$171,900 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 27%
$1,156/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 15%
209,692
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $10,550/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Syracuse?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Syracuse?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $10,550/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Syracuse

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville