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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

San Diego is 170% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$2,223/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 47%
$104,321/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 46%
$848,500 ↑ 394%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 80%
$2,308/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 50%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,044/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $12,528/year.

Median household income is $47,926/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is San Diego or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Fayetteville?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $1,044/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $47,926/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Fayetteville

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester