Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Fayetteville is 47% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,179/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 52%
$56,395/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 151%
$171,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 179%
$1,156/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 73%
209,692
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $613/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $7,356/year.

Median household income is $84,958/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Fayetteville or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $613/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $84,958/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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