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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Tucson is 4% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,079/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 9%
$54,546/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 3%
$242,200 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 29%
$1,076/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 7%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $1,849/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Tucson or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $1,849/year higher in Fayetteville.
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 Tucson or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Fayetteville details →

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