Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Portland is 89% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,596/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 26%
$88,792/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 36%
$557,600 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 69%
$1,771/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 35%
642,715
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $32,397/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Portland or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $32,397/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Fayetteville details →

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