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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

San Francisco is 266% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$2,419/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 51%
$141,446/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 60%
$1,380,500 ↑ 703%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 88%
$2,620/mo ↑ 127%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 56%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,240/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $14,880/year.

Median household income is $85,051/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is San Francisco or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Fayetteville?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $1,240/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $85,051/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Fayetteville

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester