Is Fayetteville, NC cheaper than Huntsville, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Fayetteville, NC is 2.4% cheaper than Huntsville, AL. This translates to saving $181 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Huntsville, AL, you'd need approximately $147,833.711 in Fayetteville, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Huntsville, AL and Fayetteville, NC?

Housing in Fayetteville, NC is 6.0% more expensive than in Huntsville, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC compared to $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL.

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

Moving from Huntsville, AL to Fayetteville, NC could save you approximately $181 per month, or $2166 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntsville, AL vs Fayetteville, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Huntsville, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $181/month moving to Fayetteville, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.8K in Fayetteville, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$181

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$310K

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$238K

Huntsville, AL

The Heart of Dixie

226K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 226K residents.

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Huntsville, AL vs Fayetteville, NC

Category	Huntsville, AL	Fayetteville, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,084/mo	$2,209/mo	↑ $125more	6.0%
Transportation	$1,303/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $100less	7.7%
Other	$1,705/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $98.00less	5.7%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$601/mo	↑ $65.69more	12.3%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$519/mo	↓ $44.00less	7.8%
Groceries	$999/mo	$959/mo	↓ $39.27less	3.9%

Housing

↑ 6.0%

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Difference

$125

Transportation

↓ 7.7%

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Difference

$100

less

Other

↓ 5.7%

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Difference

$98.00

less

Healthcare

↑ 12.3%

Huntsville, AL

$535

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Difference

$65.69

All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

Huntsville, AL

$563

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Difference

$44.00

less

Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Huntsville, AL

$999

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Difference

$39.27

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,138

To$1,110

↓ $28.00

1 Bed

From$1,257

To$1,130

↓ $127

2 Bed

From$1,447

To$1,270

↓ $177

3 Bed

From$1,864

To$1,690

↓ $174

Huntsville, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,710/mo

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/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.

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$90.83

Difference

Home Values

Huntsville

Fayetteville

$310K

Median Value

$238K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +29.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.9%

$153K - $382K

Price Range

$195K - $271K

Homes in Fayetteville are 23% less expensive than Huntsville

Calculate payment - Huntsville Calculate payment - Fayetteville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $335

Per year

Monthly Difference

$27.92

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Huntsville, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

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

Additional Tax Information

Huntsville, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

Fayetteville, 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.