Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Sacramento is 81% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,694/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 30%
$83,753/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 33%
$484,600 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 65%
$1,752/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 34%
524,802
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $515/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $6,180/year.

Median household income is $27,358/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Sacramento or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $515/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $27,358/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Fayetteville details →

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