Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Lexington is 12% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,101/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 7%
$67,631/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 17%
$272,100 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 37%
$1,160/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ≈ Same
321,122
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $11,236/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Lexington or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $11,236/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Fayetteville details →

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