Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Rochester is 12% cheaper than Fayetteville.

$1,039/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 13%
$46,628/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 21%
$120,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$171,900 ↑ 43%
$1,009/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 15%
209,720
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $9,767/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Rochester or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $9,767/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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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