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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Irvine is 251% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$2,893/mo ↑ 145%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 59%
$129,647/yr ↑ 130%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 57%
$1,115,400 ↑ 549%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 85%
$2,904/mo ↑ 151%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 60%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,714/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $20,568/year.

Median household income is $73,252/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Irvine or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $1,714/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $73,252/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Fayetteville details →

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