Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

New Orleans is 23% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,211/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 3%
$55,339/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 2%
$296,400 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 42%
$1,274/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 9%
376,035
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,056/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is New Orleans or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Fayetteville?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $1,056/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Fayetteville

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester