Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fayetteville is 26% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,179/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 20%
$56,395/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$55,902/yr ≈ Same
$171,900 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 24%
$1,156/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 20%
209,692
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $493/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Topeka?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Topeka?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $493/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Topeka

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks