Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Norfolk is 22% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,246/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 5%
$64,017/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 12%
$271,900 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 37%
$1,366/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 15%
235,037
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $7,622/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Norfolk or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $7,622/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Fayetteville details →

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