Is St. Louis, MO cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, St. Louis, MO is 5.4% cheaper than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to saving $408 per month.

What salary do I need in St. Louis, MO to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $145,108.696 in St. Louis, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and St. Louis, MO?

Housing in St. Louis, MO is 15.3% cheaper than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,160/month in St. Louis, MO compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fayetteville, NC to St. Louis, MO?

Moving from Fayetteville, NC to St. Louis, MO could save you approximately $408 per month, or $4891 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs St. Louis, MO: 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 save $408/month moving to St. Louis, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.1K in St. Louis, MO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$408

Savings

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

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$145K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 302K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fayetteville, NC vs St. Louis, MO

Category	Fayetteville, NC	St. Louis, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,209/mo	$1,871/mo	↓ $338less	15.3%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$527/mo	↓ $74.35less	12.4%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$535/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,216/mo	↑ $13.66more	1.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 15.3%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

St. Louis, MO

$1,871

Difference

$338

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.4%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

St. Louis, MO

$527

Difference

$74.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.2%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

St. Louis, MO

$535

Difference

$16.39

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

St. Louis, MO

$1,216

Difference

$13.66

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

St. Louis, MO

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

St. Louis, MO

$1,607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Fayetteville, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$910

↓ $200

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$950

↓ $180

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,160

↓ $110

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$1,490

↓ $200

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/mo

St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $800–$1,480/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

$6,705

Monthly in St. Louis, MO

$392

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

St. Louis

$238K

Median Value

$145K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.8%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.9%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$38K - $302K

Homes in St. Louis are 39% less expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - St. Louis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $804

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$67.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

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

St. Louis, MO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Missouri State Tax

Effective: 5.3%

$7.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$44.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,755/month

$105.1K

Additional Tax Information

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.0%

💡 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.