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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Milwaukee is 8% cheaper than Fayetteville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 14%
$51,888/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 9%
$172,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$171,900 ≈ Same
$1,082/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 7%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $4,507/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $4,507/year higher in Fayetteville.
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 Milwaukee or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Fayetteville

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester