Is Fayetteville, NC cheaper than Baton Rouge, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Fayetteville, NC is 1.1% more expensive than Baton Rouge, LA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Fayetteville, NC to live like I do in Baton Rouge, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Baton Rouge, LA, you'd need approximately $150,989.011 in Fayetteville, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baton Rouge, LA and Fayetteville, NC?

Housing in Fayetteville, NC is 3.7% more expensive than in Baton Rouge, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC compared to $1,275/month in Baton Rouge, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baton Rouge, LA to Fayetteville, NC?

Baton Rouge, LA and Fayetteville, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baton Rouge, LA vs Fayetteville, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baton Rouge, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $82.42/month more in Fayetteville, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.0K in Fayetteville, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baton Rouge, LA area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$82.42

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$989

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baton Rouge, LA

Population:227K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$234K

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$238K

Baton Rouge, LA

The Pelican State

227K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 227K residents.

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 209K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baton Rouge, LA vs Fayetteville, NC

Category	Baton Rouge, LA	Fayetteville, NC	Difference	Change
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $151less	8.6%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$601/mo	↑ $130more	27.6%
Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,209/mo	↑ $77.96more	3.7%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $40.98less	3.3%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$519/mo	↑ $32.79more	6.7%
Groceries	$969/mo	$959/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

Other

↓ 8.6%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,758

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Difference

$151

less

Healthcare

↑ 27.6%

Baton Rouge, LA

$471

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Difference

$130

Housing

↑ 3.7%

Baton Rouge, LA

$2,131

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Difference

$77.96

Transportation

↓ 3.3%

Baton Rouge, LA

$1,243

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Difference

$40.98

less

All Utilities

↑ 6.7%

Baton Rouge, LA

$486

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Difference

$32.79

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Baton Rouge, LA

$969

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,090

To$1,110

↑ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,125

To$1,130

↑ $5.00

2 Bed

From$1,275

To$1,270

↓ $5.00

3 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,690

↑ $90.00

Baton Rouge, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,600/mo

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,058

Monthly in Baton Rouge, LA

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$39.22

Difference

Home Values

Baton Rouge

Fayetteville

$234K

Median Value

$238K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.9%

$64K - $344K

Price Range

$195K - $271K

Homes in Fayetteville are 2% more expensive than Baton Rouge

Calculate payment - Baton Rouge Calculate payment - Fayetteville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $625

Per year

Monthly Difference

$52.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Baton Rouge, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Fayetteville, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Baton Rouge, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.