Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Kansas City is 10% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,186/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ≈ Same
$67,449/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 16%
$227,000 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 24%
$1,205/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 4%
508,233
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,054/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Kansas 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $11,054/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and North Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Fayetteville details →

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