Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Fayetteville is 30% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,179/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 20%
$56,395/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 20%
$171,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 97%
$1,156/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 32%
209,692
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $11,149/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Worcester — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Worcester?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Worcester?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $11,149/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Worcester details →

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