Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.4% more expensive than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $408 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $154,891.304 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.8% more expensive than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $408 more per month than Fayetteville, NC, or $4891 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $408/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$408

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.9K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $260more	11.8%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $100more	6.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.3%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$601/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.8%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$260

📦Other

↑ 6.3%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$100

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.8%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$81.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,570

↑ $460

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,640

↑ $510

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,800

↑ $530

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$2,255

↑ $565

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$470

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Raleigh

$238K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 115% more expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Raleigh, 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

Additional Tax Information

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.