Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Jersey City is 103% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,902/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 38%
$94,813/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 41%
$534,500 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 68%
$2,006/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 42%
289,691
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $38,418/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Jersey City or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $38,418/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Fayetteville details →

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