Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Virginia Beach is 60% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,649/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 29%
$90,685/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 38%
$366,300 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 53%
$1,704/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 32%
457,066
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $34,290/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $34,290/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Fayetteville details →

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