Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

St. Louis is 10% cheaper than Fayetteville.

$978/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 21%
$55,279/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 2%
$185,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 7%
$1,013/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 14%
293,109
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $1,116/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is St. Louis or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Fayetteville?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $1,116/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and North Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Fayetteville details →

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