Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Washington is 134% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,900/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 38%
$106,287/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 47%
$724,600 ↑ 322%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 76%
$2,103/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 45%
672,079
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $49,892/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Washington or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $49,892/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and North Carolina?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Fayetteville details →

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