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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Modesto is 64% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,609/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 27%
$77,899/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 28%
$415,600 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 59%
$1,613/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 28%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $21,504/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Modesto or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $21,504/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Fayetteville details →

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