Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fayetteville and Tuscaloosa have a similar cost of living.

$1,179/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 15%
$56,395/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 14%
$171,900 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 38%
$1,156/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 10%
209,692
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $7,859/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $7,859/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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