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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Richmond is 34% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,314/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 10%
$62,671/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 10%
$328,100 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 48%
$1,374/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 16%
227,595
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $6,276/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Richmond or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $6,276/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Fayetteville

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester