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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fayetteville and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,179/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 7%
$56,395/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 9%
$171,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 16%
$1,156/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 5%
209,692
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $4,927/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Waco — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Waco?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Waco?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $4,927/year higher in Fayetteville.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Waco details →

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