Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 61.4% more expensive than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $4606 per month.

What salary do I need in Arlington, VA to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $205,269.601 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 147.2% more expensive than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fayetteville, NC to Arlington, VA?

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $4606 more per month than Fayetteville, NC, or $55270 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs Arlington, VA: 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 Fayetteville, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.6K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $205.3K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 61.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,606

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$55.3K

Per year

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

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$238K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

161

(61% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs Arlington, VA

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,209/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $3,252more	147.2%
Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $640more	53.2%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,783/mo	↑ $176more	10.9%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $107more	11.2%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$625/mo	↑ $23.66more	3.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$502/mo	↓ $16.82less	3.2%

Housing

↑ 147.2%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$3,252

Transportation

↑ 53.2%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$640

Other

↑ 10.9%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$176

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$107

Healthcare

↑ 3.9%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$23.66

All Utilities

↓ 3.2%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$16.82

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,578

↑ $468

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,827

↑ $697

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$2,325

↑ $1,055

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$3,239

↑ $1,549

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.

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$4,182

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Arlington

$238K

Median Value

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

$195K - $271K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Fayetteville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$104

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

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

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.