Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Scottsdale is 126% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,910/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 38%
$107,372/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 47%
$709,900 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 76%
$1,824/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 37%
242,169
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $731/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,772/year.

Median household income is $50,977/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $731/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $50,977/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

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