Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

St. Paul is 25% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,248/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 6%
$73,055/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 23%
$280,300 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 39%
$1,390/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 17%
307,762
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $16,660/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is St. Paul or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Fayetteville?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $16,660/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

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