Is Fayetteville, NC cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Fayetteville, NC is 1.1% cheaper than Lexington, KY. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $149,032.258 in Fayetteville, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Fayetteville, NC?

Housing in Fayetteville, NC is 5.6% cheaper than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

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

Moving from Lexington, KY to Fayetteville, NC could save you approximately $81 per month, or $968 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY 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 Lexington, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $80.65/month moving to Fayetteville, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Fayetteville, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$80.65

Savings

Annual Impact

$968

Per year

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

Lexington, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$345K

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$238K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K 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: Lexington, KY vs Fayetteville, NC

Category	Lexington, KY	Fayetteville, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,209/mo	↓ $130less	5.6%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$519/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.8%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $33.48less	2.0%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $13.66less	1.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 5.6%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Difference

$130

less

All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

Lexington, KY

$464

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Difference

$54.64

Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Lexington, KY

$551

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

Other

↓ 2.0%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Difference

$33.48

less

Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Difference

$13.66

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Lexington, KY

$959

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lexington, KY: Lexington Occupational Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

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$960

To$1,110

↑ $150

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,130

↓ $50.00

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,270

↓ $120

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,690

↓ $210

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington, KY

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$72.87

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Fayetteville

$345K

Median Value

$238K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.9%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$195K - $271K

Homes in Fayetteville are 31% less expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - Fayetteville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Lexington, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/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

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.