Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 12.2% more expensive than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $913 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $160,956.522 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 26.2% more expensive than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fayetteville, NC to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $913 more per month than Fayetteville, NC, or $10957 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $913/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.0K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$913

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.0K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$414K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $580more	26.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $287more	23.9%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $70.31more	4.4%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$561/mo	↑ $42.07more	8.1%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$589/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.2%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$580

🚗Transportation

↑ 23.9%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$287

📦Other

↑ 4.4%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$70.31

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$42.07

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$12.39

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,390

↑ $280

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,510

↑ $380

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,750

↑ $480

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$2,330

↑ $640

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$970

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Phoenix

$238K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 74% more expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$158

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.