Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Newark is 37% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,330/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 11%
$48,416/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 16%
$337,800 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 49%
$1,419/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 19%
307,188
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $7,979/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Newark or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $7,979/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

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