Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Seattle is 168% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,998/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 41%
$121,984/yr ↑ 116%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 54%
$912,100 ↑ 431%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 81%
$2,220/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 48%
741,440
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $819/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $9,828/year.

Median household income is $65,589/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Seattle or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $819/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $65,589/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Fayetteville

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