Is Boston, MA cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 62.0% more expensive than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $4647 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $205,760.87 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 138.8% more expensive than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fayetteville, NC to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $4647 more per month than Fayetteville, NC, or $55761 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $205.8K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 62.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,647

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$55.8K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$238K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

162

(62% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs Boston, MA

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,209/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $3,066more	138.8%
Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $628more	52.3%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $218more	13.5%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$716/mo	↑ $197more	37.9%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$743/mo	↑ $143more	23.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%

Housing

↑ 138.8%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$3,066

Transportation

↑ 52.3%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$628

Other

↑ 13.5%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$218

All Utilities

↑ 37.9%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$197

Healthcare

↑ 23.7%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$143

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$120

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$3,095

↑ $1,985

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$3,255

↑ $2,125

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$3,865

↑ $2,595

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$4,630

↑ $2,940

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$4,372

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Boston

$238K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 304% more expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $375

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$31.25

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.