Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Madison is 41% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,364/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 14%
$76,983/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 27%
$346,900 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 50%
$1,476/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 22%
275,568
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $20,588/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Madison or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $20,588/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Fayetteville

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester