Is Austin, TX cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 12.0% more expensive than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $897 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $160,760.87 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 30.6% more expensive than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fayetteville, NC to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $897 more per month than Fayetteville, NC, or $10761 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Fayetteville, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $897/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$897

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.8K

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

Median Home:$238K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$558K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs Austin, TX

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $676more	30.6%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $134more	8.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$541/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$589/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 30.6%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$676

📦Other

↑ 8.3%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$134

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.8%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$81.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.2%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$21.86

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$12.39

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,585

↑ $475

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,685

↑ $555

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,995

↑ $725

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$2,525

↑ $835

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$901

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Austin

$238K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 135% more expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.