Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Philadelphia is 16% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,323/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 11%
$60,698/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 7%
$232,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 26%
$1,233/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 6%
1,582,432
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $4,303/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $4,303/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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