Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Fresno is 38% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,324/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 11%
$66,804/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 16%
$348,500 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 51%
$1,391/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 17%
543,615
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $10,409/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Fresno or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $10,409/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Fayetteville details →

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