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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Pittsburgh is 4% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,221/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 3%
$64,137/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 12%
$193,200 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 11%
$1,136/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 2%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,742/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $7,742/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Fayetteville

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester