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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

San Jose is 248% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$2,617/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 55%
$141,565/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 60%
$1,187,800 ↑ 591%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 86%
$2,775/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 58%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,438/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $17,256/year.

Median household income is $85,170/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is San Jose or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Fayetteville?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $1,438/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $85,170/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Fayetteville details →

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