Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

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

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

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

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 20.0% more expensive than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fayetteville, NC to Nashville, TN?

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

Fayetteville, NC vs Nashville, TN: 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 Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.8K in Nashville, TN

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$489K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs Nashville, TN

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $442more	20.0%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $335more	20.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$607/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 20.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$442

📦Other

↑ 20.8%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$335

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.8%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$81.96

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$6.20

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,600

↑ $490

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,680

↑ $550

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,840

↑ $570

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$2,350

↑ $660

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$855

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Nashville

$238K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 106% more expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.