Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Fayetteville is 39% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,179/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 45%
$56,395/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 23%
$171,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 115%
$1,156/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 44%
209,692
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $12,866/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fayetteville or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $12,866/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and West Palm Beach

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings