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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Los Angeles is 156% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,879/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 37%
$80,366/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 30%
$879,500 ↑ 412%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 80%
$2,055/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 44%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $700/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,400/year.

Median household income is $23,971/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $700/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $23,971/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Fayetteville

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester