Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Phoenix is 49% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,458/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 19%
$77,041/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 27%
$381,900 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 55%
$1,430/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 19%
1,624,832
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $20,646/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Phoenix or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $20,646/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Fayetteville details →

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