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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Fayetteville is 39% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,179/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 38%
$56,395/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 38%
$171,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 145%
$1,156/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 34%
209,692
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $21,248/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Tempe — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Tempe?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Tempe?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $21,248/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Tempe details →

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